Finally! Prince William Puts a Ring On It!

After six years, Kate Middleton has finally done what some said she couldn't; she finally got her proposal from Prince William, heir to Britain's throne. Proposing in Kenya, after asking her father's permission, Prince William gave Kate the 18 carat sapphire and diamond stunner that was last seen on the finger of his late mother, Princess Diana. William said that in giving Kate his mother's ring, he made sure she, "didn't miss out on today." The sapphire ring is gorgeous, yet untraditional in that the center stone isn't a diamond. This is fitting, being that couple's relationship wasn't your typical royal romance.

Once called the Stone of Destiny, the sapphire seems like a fitting choice for the untraditional bride. Whether you're looking for that perfect ring for your bride to be, or something special for your long time love, come visit Fink's at one of our 17 locations and see our beautiful selection of sapphire and diamond rings that are sure to make her feel like a princess.

The ring on the left features a 1.4 carat sapphire with .72 carats of round brilliant diamonds, set in 18k white gold, $3150. The ring on the right features a 2.10 carat sapphire with .83 carats of round brilliant diamonds, set in 18k white gold, $2575.

Gifts That Sparkle!

There's nothing better than the D-word during the holidays... that's right, diamonds. At Fink's, there's nothing we do better than diamonds, so we've put together a handy little gift guide with a range of price points, so whether you want to spend a little or a lot, Fink's is the place to go!

Diamond Studs ~ Every girl, young or old, needs a good pair of diamond studs; it's practically a right of passage. They're classic, they go with everything, and they start at just $195.

Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures ~ For the girl that likes a little personal flair to her jewelry, Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures are sure to make her smile. Whether she loves the beach, you, or just diamonds, there's a Tiny Treasure pendant for girls with every taste. Palm trees, hearts, dragonflys, hamsas, crosses, starfish, horseshoes, and many, many more! Prices range from $300-$1,500.

David Yurman Albion Rings ~ These sterling silver rings with pave diamonds from David Yurman's Albion Collection are perfect for everyday or a special occasion, although we're pretty sure once she puts one on, she won't want to take it off!

Diamond Tennis Bracelet ~ For the sophisticated woman in your life, nothing quite says "status" like a diamond tennis bracelet from Fink's Jewelers. 39 round brilliant diamonds set in 14k white gold, this bracelet is truly for the woman who does it all, has it all, and loves it all. Starting at $1,900.



As always, call any Fink's store throughout Virginia and North Carolina, and our sales associates will help you find that perfect gift that fits her, and your budget, just right.

Designer Spotlight: John Hardy

Legend of the Dragon

John Hardy’s Naga collection debuted in 2008 and is reaching back to those roots for inspiration for the newest pieces in 2010. Every John Hardy collection tells a story, and Naga is no different; meaning “dragon,” the Naga collection draws inspiration from many Balinese myths that revere the dragon as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. The fall 2010 Naga Lava collection features the same dragon motif, but with Art Deco influences coming through in the pave set stones that come in lots of bright colors. This colorful update to an old favorite makes it easy to fall in love with John Hardy’s collections, whether it’s for the first time, or all over again.

Background on John Hardy jewelry

When artist and designer John Hardy visited Bali in 1975, it set in motion important events that many jewelry boxes are forever grateful for. In Bali, Hardy found himself inspired by the local artisans work, and the environment from which it was inspired. He began to devise new ways to incorporate the ancient Balinese craft into a modern and sustainable line of jewelry for the 21st century. Through his innovative new twists on ancient designs, John Hardy jewelry was born in 1989. Bali continues to be a stronghold of inspiration for Hardy, who now lives there full time. It’s clear through his designs, and the way his jewelry gives back to the land that it comes from (with bamboo seedlings being planted for every piece from his bamboo collection) that Hardy holds a deep respect and commitment to Bali, and regards his jewelry as much more than just a decoration, but as a story and tribute to the Balinese culture from which it was born.


Don’t forget, Guy Bedarida, head designer and creative director at John Hardy, will be visiting our Norfolk store at MacArthur Center on Thursday, November 4th. Come hear Guy talk about his beginnings and inspirations, and shop pieces made exclusively for his public appearances that can’t be found anywhere else!

Can’t be there? Join us on our twitter account for live, play-by-play updates of the event, including pictures! www.twitter.com/FinksMacarthur

From a Fink's Customer

To: SouthPark
Subject: Fw: My journey at Fink's

Mr Fink

I would like to thank you for an excellent product and superior customer service!

On my journey to find the perfect engagement ring for my girlfriend, I had feelings of doubt and worry. Financially, I am not in the best of conditions and really wanted to impress my girlfriend with a wonderful ring. I have been searching online and in stores for over two months, counting down to the day I planned to propose. Other jewelry stores I have visited have left a bad taste in my mouth about jewelry companies. I felt as though if I wasn't spending enough money then I didn't matter. When I have been assisted by many sales reps, I felt a change in tone when I told them what my budget was. Some have tried to talk me into a price I knew I could not afford.

When I came to Fink's, I felt a calmness come over me with the way I was treated. I spoke to Joy (Davis) the very first day and still had a paradigm of no self worth when I came in. She seemed busy, but quickly assisted me. She took the time to educate me and explain how Fink's product was different. From the patented cut to the all around quality of your product. She spent a lot of time with me even though other customers were there.

I told her the day I wanted to propose and she got on the phone to get some price quotes and scheduled a transfer for a diamond from another store. She explained she would be on vacation, but would have someone assist me with the final purchase. Joy called me discreetly in respect, not to alert my girlfriend.

I returned to the store on Thursday with the mindset to tell them I still wanted to wait and make up my mind later, but when I saw the diamond Donna (Hilfiger) presented to me I was amazed at the quality! I was so use to telling other jewelry stores I will be back and always had an indecisive feeling. I had the same experience from Donna and Joann (Quann) that I had with Joy. Donna made sure to tell other customers she was currently assisting me and she would be with them afterward, which made me fell appreciated! I did a credit app and was approved. Joann was working in the office and explained my monthly payment and the importance of paying on time.

I always appreciate good customer service. Your staff at Southpark mall is above anything I ever expected! They are genuinely helpful and passionate about what they do. I thank you for company. As far as I am concerned, you have the king of all jewelry stores! Thank you for turning my nightmare into a dream come true!

PS I will be back to buy her wedding band.

Thanks for everything!
J

Here We Grow Again ...

Coming in October, Fink's Jewelers will be opening our 17th store! Located in The Village at Spotsylvania Towne Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia, this new store will bridge the gap between our three stores in Richmond and two stores in Washington, DC. You'll find the same luxury jewelry designers and fine Swiss timepieces in this new location as you do in any of our other 16 Fink's Jewelers stores, such as David Yurman,
John Hardy, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Ippolita, TAG Heuer, and Raymond Weil.

In addition to the industry's hottest jewelry and watch fashions, we will offer an incredible diamond selection. Throughout our long history, we've remained a leader in diamond engagement rings. From international bridal designers like Ritani, to our very own Fink's diamond selection, you're sure to find the perfect diamond for the best value.

Opening October 2010 ~ Fredericksburg, VA

Spotsylvania Towne Centre
137 Spotsylvania Mall
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
finks.com/fredericksburg

BeadforLife Open House

Trinity Episcopal Church in Buchanan, VA is hosting a BeadforLife Open House. BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.

This is a women's microfinance project begun in the slums of Uganda by a handful of women who worked in rock quarries with small hammers breaking rocks for a $1.00 a day. Most of them have contracted AIDS from their husbands and their children are born infected with the virus. As women die, others take their children in. They have built 5 houses, a clinic and a school with proceeds for the sale of jewelry they make from scrap paper. Lives have been changed. The world is a better place because of these brave women and their sponsors here in the US.

This special fundraising event is a cause supported by Maryanne Meloy from our 419 at Colonial store in Roanoke. "I believe microfinance projects are the key to women and children gaining independence and freedom on so many levels," says Maryanne. "I am so thrilled we at Trinity will be doing a small part to further this cause. It is a great tie-in for me as it combines my love for finely crafted and unusual jewelry with a deep interest in the growth of microfinancing around the world and with my understanding of mission. I am gladdened by The Episcopal Church's Millennium Goals Office support."

Aimee, a graduate student majoring in African and Asian studies at George Mason, visited one of these projects in Marrakesh and was so excited. She and Maryanne presented a program about it at Trinity and at Community School.

Contact Maryanne at 540-254-2203 or divadaedalus@verizon.net. Click here to learn more about Bead for Life. Hope you can come!!!

Fink's Jewelers Proudly Supports H-E-A-R-T INC

On May 22nd 2010 Fink's Jewelers provided a David Yurman sterling silver heart pendant as a door prize for the H-E-A-R-T INC Tennis challenge at Raintree Swim and Racquet Club in Richmond, Virginia. Shown to the right is Debbie Smith holding the Yurman Heart necklace.

The mission of H-E-A-R-T (Hope Exists After Rape Trauma) is to provide HOPE for victims of sexual assault through the provision of essential and therapeutic support, by affecting positive change in laws influencing their lives, and by educating both the public and professionals commissioned to serve victims. A vital issue in this matter involves the use of DNA. To enhance that use, H-E-A-R-T will promote the continued use of DNA, and through educating legislators, law enforcement officials, and others, promote its expanded use and continued improvement. H-E-A-R-T promotes victim empowerment and encourages the public to have a greater understanding of and respect for sexual assault victims.

Debbie Smith Act (taken from h-e-a-r-t.info)
On March 3,1989, Debbie Smith was kidnapped from her home while her husband, a police officer, was sleeping upstairs. She was dragged into the woods behind her Williamsburg, Virginia home and raped. The rapist threatened Debbie not to tell, and reminded her that he knew where she lived. Bravely, Debbie went forward and told her husband Robert of the assault. The rape was officially reported and she consented to a forensic exam.

After the sexual assault, Debbie feared that her unknown attacker would return to further harm her or her family. This fear was paralyzing. During the first few years following this attack, Debbie was suicidal. Only the fear of her family finding her body prevented her from following this thought through. Some days, she and Robert drove around Williamsburg looking at homes because Debbie wanted to move. Other days she felt furious at her attacker for the effect he had on her and her family. On those days, she refused to move.

The traumatic effect of the assault remained with Debbie and her family for six and a half years, and then her perpetrator was finally caught through a DNA database known as CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). The man who sexually assaulted her had abducted and robbed two other women. Their attacker was identified through an ATM photo where he made them take out their money. When his DNA was put into the system there was a match. Debbie’s attacker was convicted of rape, abduction, robbery, burglary and larceny. He was sentenced to two life terms plus 25 years in prison. Because of the suffering Debbie and countless other victims of sexual assault have faced, legislation has been passed to improve investigations and services for this crime. The Debbie Smith Act, now part of the Justice For All Act of 2004, was signed into law on October 30, 2004. For a complete look at this law, see the web site noted above.

Debbie Smith travels around the country with her husband Robert to talk about her experience. Her purposes for talking about the attack are to help in her healing and to be a voice for the many women who have not been able to speak out. They would like to take away the stigma that comes with rape that puts the blame back on the victim. They would also like to put rapists in jail before they have a chance to continue their rampage, as most rapists will attack between eight and twelve women.


Send all questions, comments and suggestions to info@h-e-a-r-t.info