Pearls, Every Fashionista’s Favorite

by Converse Roberts
Fink's Jewelers, Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC
sales.northlake@finks.com

It shouldn’t be shocking in the least that Cartier bought his famed Fifth Avenue store for a double strand of them. After all, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn wore them with style and grace, and the Princess of Monaco chose to accessorize with them for her legendary royal wedding extravaganza. Sophisticated and ultra-feminine, pearls have long been every fashionista’s favorite. Like our cherished little black dress, pearls are a must in every well dressed lady’s jewelry wardrobe. A collection without them would be, well, a very incomplete collection at that…

Legend has it that Cleopatra (one of history’s best dressed women) once drank a crushed pearl, then valued at $1 million, in vinegar, to prove to Marc Anthony that she could throw the most decadent dinner party of their time.

Whether worn in drops as Teri Hatcher did at the Golden Globes with her David Yurman earrings, or as studs accented with diamonds with a fabulous pair of designer jeans and fitted t-shirt, pearls have an enduring elegance that scream true style like no other. And to imagine that wearing pearls was once a crime severely punished for those not of extreme wealth and privilege!

With the vast depletion of natural pearls, such options would never have been possible if not for the grueling years sacrificed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the name of researching pearl cultivation. American genius, Thomas Edison, upon meeting with the Pearl King, remarked that, “This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl. There are two things which couldn’t be made at my laboratory – diamonds and pearls. It is something which is supposed to be biologically impossible”. Experts all over the world agreed with Mr. Edison that there were no differences between the natural pearl and Mikimoto’s cultured pearl!

Thanks to his brilliant discovery, years later the Mikimoto Company offers a collection so stunning Grace Kelly would surely approve. For those of us that have the desire to add these luminous beauties to our collection, it’s easier than ever. Mikimoto celebrates their 150th anniversary this June with an unheard of twelve month, deferred interest, financing. Although no longer a crime to wear luxury pearls, it certainly would be to pass on Mikimoto’s generous offer!

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Items featured in this blog:

Mikimoto 7-7.5" Akoya Pearls in Motion Necklace and Earrings
Mikimoto Black South Seas Pearls in Motion Necklace and Earrings
David Yurman Silver Pearl Bead & Chain Necklace
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Converse Roberts holds a GIA Graduate Jeweler degree, the Jewelry Design, Casting, Mold Making certificates, and is currently studying to earn the Graduate Gemological Degree, all from GIA.

Going Green at Fink's Jewelers

by Veronica M. Wilson
John Hardy Store Captain, Triangle Town Center, Raleigh, NC
Triangle@finks.com

When I first started with Fink's Jewelers, I was introduced to the John Hardy brand. Instantly, I was intrigued by the craftsmanship and Balinese-inspired designs. At the time, I was totally unaware of the effect the John Hardy brand would have on my life.
Passionate about the environment and our impact on it, John Hardy became one of the first companies to take a stance on global warming. As a way to offset the carbon emissions of print advertising, John Hardy began to reforest the island of Nusa Penida (just off the coast of Bali).
His headquarters and workshops in Bali are located on a fully functioning organic farm where all of the buildings are made of sustainable bamboo. On the compound, where the Hardy family also lives, they grow all of their own vegetables and grains. Each day, more than one hundred artisans and craftsmen, including John Hardy himself, sit down for lunch under an open canopy.

I am so proud to carry John Hardy's collections in my store, but I am even more proud and passionate about one collection in particular. The aptly named "Bamboo Collection," available in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold, is designed to raise awareness and funds for the bamboo reforestation of Nusa Penida. On each piece from the Bamboo Collection, the number of bamboo planted is stamped inside. A great reminder of how we can be fashion forward and environmentally friendly at the same time! Who knew it could be as simple as wearing stunning jewelry? Please stop by Fink's Jewelers store to take a look at our large assortment of unique and beautiful John Hardy pieces.

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Items features in this blog:
John Hardy 18k Bamboo Slim Ring
John Hardy Set of 3 Bamboo Slim Bangles
John Hardy Bamboo Cuff Links
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Veronica has been in the jewelry business for nearly three years, the past two of which have been with Fink's. A native of Raleigh, NC, she studied International Business at Meredith College. She also has three certificates from the Gemological Institute of America.

Tags, Not Ties, This Father's Day

By Dan Schaffer
Manager Finks at MacArthur Center Norfolk, Va.

With Father’s Day soon approaching, when my clients are shopping for the man in their life over, I find myself taking them to the Men’s David Yurman case — especially with all the new choices Yurman has to offer in exotic stone choices for men's rings, cuff links, bracelets and dog tag necklaces. These days men don’t have to settle for ties on Father's Day.

I find the new textures in the alligator, the rhino print and the living coral so interesting and unique. Whether you're looking for a stylish piece of jewelry for a man or searching for the next great piece for his David Yurman collection, this season gives plenty of great options, even for my repeat customers who can’t think of a gift for that certain someone.


We also know that the David Yurman client is a collector of sorts so now we can start a collection for him. David Yurman is so special in the jewelry industry because he has continually been able to reinvent himself over and over again and since we live in a more casual society his designs are made to be worn all the time (even the ones with diamonds). So the next time you’re looking for a gift that isn't that "same old same old" come on into Fink’s and let’s explore the newest things that David Yurman has to offer in his men's line.

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Items featured in this blog:

David Yurman Black Onyx Tag
Black onyx dog tag with sterling silver logo and "925" inlay and Cable trim. Sterling silver chain.
David Yurman Sea Urchin Ring
Sterling silver sea urchin-embossed ring with 18-karat yellow gold DY stamp and faceted black diamond center.
David Yurman Rhino Plate Bracelet
From the Naturals Collection™, rubber bracelet with sterling silver rhinoceros-embossed plate.

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Dan Schaffer is the manager Fink's Jewelers at MacArthur Center Norfolk, VA. He has been in the industry for 25 years, ten of which he has been with Fink's Jewelers. Dan is GIA Certified in Diamonds and has completed extensive training with Breitling and Tag Heuer. He loves God, family, and golf (in that order).