For Richer or Poorer is becoming Ring Finger Studio!

For Richer or Poorer is becoming Ring Finger Studio!

We're leaving For Richer or Poorer and our beloved Brooklyn to open in Miami in March of 2010 under our new name of Ring Finger Studio. Our new studio will be bigger and better than ever. We're going to offer even more engagement styles to choose from and in 2010 all of our customizable engagement rings will be made from 100% recycled metals!

New York, we may be leaving, but we'll be back!

Please follow our new blog ringfingerstudio.blogspot.com and look for our new brand in 2010!

Possible Blood Diamonds seized at JFK

                                                 

We're very proud to sell Red Box diamonds, which are certified conflict free. They're in compliance with the UN sanctioned Kimberley Process that tracks the diamonds and certifies that they have been sourced legitimately and have not funded any wars.  

This past Saturday a possible shipment of Blood Diamonds from Sierra Leone was intercepted at New York's JFK.  It's unfortunate that blood diamonds are still a problem, but atleast the Customs officials caught the shipment.

Click here for the full story: Blood Diamonds

Wow! She's special!

3.41 Carat 

D Color ( Colorless!)

IF (Internally Flawless!)

$207,000.

Diamond?  Condo? Diamond? Condo....

but one can dream.

The Mrs. is back!

So after a glorious month in Florida, I make my return to Brooklyn with my wonderful husband Chris, yay! We got married on Estero Island in front of a wonderfully quirky old house, and after doing everything ourselves, we couldn't be happier that all of the details came out so beautifully.

The boys built the dance floor (yes-they built it from MDF and 2x4's!!!), and hung the lights. My parents and I filled hundreds of bags with salt water taffy and hung them from the inside of the tents. Bags of seashells were given out, all of which had been collected by my parents over the course of the past year from the very beach where we got married. My dear friend Courtney, who is an amazing illustrator (www.spoonstudio.com), hand painted all of the signage.

We also owe a BIG thanks to Sam and Ashley Brockinton, our photographers who are both unbelievably talented and absolutely wonderful to work with. A sample of their photography is above, and you have to check out their website www.ashleybrockinton.com and blog www.ashleybrockintonblog.com (which is fun and really engaging). Some more photos from our wedding should be up there soon so check back. When it comes to wedding photography they are the best! For all of my New York newlyweds to be - they may be based out of Naples, FL....but they travel!

Spread the Love

14kt White Gold Diamond and Brazilian Garnet Earrings - $450

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14kt White Gold Diamond Heart Necklace - $350

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Double Heart Earrings - Sterling Silver $95 - 14kt Yellow Gold or White Gold  $265

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Heart Ring -  Sterling Silver $85 -  14kt Yellow Gold or White Gold $295

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14kt Yellow Gold or White Gold Skinny Heart on leather chain - $265

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14kt Yellow Gold or White Gold Continuous Heart on Poppy colored leather chain - $235

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I've decided that I need to bring the heart back, and I'm bringing it back all year long!  (My friends and family that are reading this, you can expect to get a heart from me for your birthday, or any other celebratory occasion). 

I never understood the obsession with hearts, but now I feel like I've been missing out.  Maybe it's because I'm getting married in about a month and love is in the air.  I don't know.  The products of my new fascination with hearts can be seen above.

You can order any of the pieces above by calling us (646.957.2058) or emailing (for-richer-or-poorer@hotmail.com).  We'll ship them anywhere, and if it's a gift, we'll put it in a pretty red box.  They're available for Valentine's day, and all year long (until we sell out)

So, Spread the love. 

Diamond Nexus Lab - REVIEW UPDATE

UPDATE (May 3, 2014)

I was recently contacted by Diamond Nexus Lab about my original review below.  They informed me that they have made changes to the site since my original review in 2009 to make it clearer to consumers that they are selling simulants.  They have indeed updated the site so it is no longer misleading.  They have also expanded and are selling actual carbon based stones, which are optically and chemically the same as a mined diamond.  Very happy to see the changes!

I still believe that mined diamonds, which form deep within the earth, and must rocket toward the surface in one perfect instant, are both more deeply symbolic and hold a far better value in terms of resale.

At Ring Finger Studio, which I own and operate in Miami, FL, I specialize in large diamonds and custom designed engagement rings and wedding bands.  We source and sell naturally formed, mined diamonds that are certified conflict free and are accompanied by a GIA diamond certificate.  We are the right fit for clients looking for a private, custom experience and a one-of-a-kind ring.  However, for a consumer looking for an economy engagement ring Diamond Nexus is a good option.

Visit us to learn more: www.ringfingerstudio.com

Feel free to contact us with any further questions: http://www.ringfingerstudio.com/#/make-an-appointment-with-ring-finger-studio/

Sincerely,
Tara Rose

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I had a client call me about a custom made engagement ring setting. He told me that he and his girlfriend had decided to go with a man made diamond, in order to save some money on the ring.

The technology does exist, but right now it's only cost effective when producting man made yellow diamonds.

(Check out this article from Wired Magazine about the new technology for making flawless man made diamonds, it's really cool!)

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/diamond.html

Anyway, when I inquired further he told me that they were getting a Nexus Diamond and it cost about $125 for approximately a 1ct stone. Obviously this seemed too good to be true so I looked into and I was upset to find that the Diamond Nexus Lab website is quite misleading. They aren't selling man made diamonds, they are selling diamond simulants, which is a fancy way of saying they are selling a stone that has similar optical qualities to a diamond, but it's a not a diamond.

For anyone that can't afford a diamond engagement ring, diamond simulants are a great option. Cubic Zirconia is a very well known diamond simulant and more recently Moissanite has hit the jewelry market and it's a really great diamond simulant. It has more brilliance and fire than a diamond, and it is the second hardest naturally occuring substance on Earth.

For more about Moissanite click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moissanite

Diamond Nexus Lab, the first problem is it says diamond in their name and they aren't selling diamonds! Elsewhere on the website they do say simulant, but in my research I found a lot of postings on the web where people believed they were buying a man made diamond from Diamond Nexus. I was really apalled by the response to this FAQ from the Diamond Nexus Website:

Q: Why are Diamond Nexus stones so much less expensive than other manufactured diamonds?A: We offer our products at the most reasonable prices we can. Unfortunately, we can’t explain other companies’ pricing because we don’t have any information about their internal costs or structure.

THEY'RE CHEAPER BECAUSE THEY AREN'T DIAMONDS!

It's websites like this that are misleading that give the jewelry industry a bad name. There is absolutely nothing wrong with their simulants. They are good diamond simulants, but I think they make it unclear that they are selling a stone that is completely different from a diamond.

So, be careful!


Custom Diamond Engagement Rings in Miami, FL / Ring Finger Studio by Tara Rose

Happy 2009!

In the same way that you never feel older or different on your birthday than you did the day before, I started 2009 feeling as if it were no different than 2008.

Eleven days into the new year, I realize that this year is going to be different and better because I learned a lot in 2008. I've gone through interns, assistants, a couple of moves, tried some new things that worked, and a lot that didn't.

As the new year finally sinks in, I reflect on the reasons why I started For Richer or Poorer and why I love it so much.

1. I can't stand to work for anyone else.

(I like to think that this is because I'm wildly independent, but it probably has more to do with the fact that I'm a perfectionist.)

2. I love a challenge.

I'm working in an industry that is primarily run by men. It's often a fight to get my foot in the door. And even when I do, I have to constantly prove that I belong. Making my clients happy despite these hurdles keeps me driven and lets me know I'm doing something worthwhile.

3. I love that my business is so different.

Go to another jewelry store. Go to 47th street. You're likely to see a suited middle aged man standing behind a counter ready to tell you anything to make you feel a little stupid, just enough as to not offend, but enough to convince you that what they're feeding you is true.

When you come see me, you get to sit down in the beautiful restored GreenDesk building in DUMBO and get treated with respect regardless of how much you can afford to spend. You get honest answers. You get someone that is finding the best diamond for you.

Mistakes and all we've done well in 2008, so 2009 here we come. See for yourself : http://brooklyn.citysearch.com/profile/47343907/brooklyn_ny/for_richer_or_poorer.html

Check out our page on ways to save money on a diamond!

www.richer-or-poorer.com/save.htm

The economy stinks. Buy something that hasn't lost it's value.

I was going through the overwhelming amount of things that I've collected this year. After two moves, and a hectic year of running the business almost entirely by myself, needless to say there were lots of boxes and bags and bins that I was "going to get to".

Turns out, I found some nifty pieces that are left over from this roller-coaster-year 2008.

I've marked them all down by 53%...because they've had a dismal year living in dusty boxes and they deserve some love. Why 53%? Because it's lucky. Why is it lucky? Because I say it is..haha!

If you really love something and it's still a little pricey for your pocketbook, I may be willing to budge a little.

So, here they are, the ophans of 2008:

14kt White Gold 18 x 13mm Citrine Pendant
Now: $ 582.80

Was: $1240.00

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14kt White Gold Garnet (2cts) and Amethyst (4.75cts) Earrings

Now: $475.64

Was: $1012.00

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14kt White Gold 10 x 12mm Aquamarine Stud Earrings

Now: $1225.76

Was: $2608.00

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14kt White Gold 10 x 12mm Aquamarine Necklace

Now: $942.35

Was: $2005.00

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14kt White Gold Green Tourmaline and Citrine Earrings.

Now: $493.96

Was: $932.00

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14kt White Gold 12 x 14mm Blue Topaz Necklace
Now: $524.52

Was: $1116.00

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14kt White Gold 8 x 6mm Blue Topaz and 5 x 18mm Citrine Earrings

Now: $514.18

Was: $1094.00

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14kt White Gold 5mm Garnet and 8 x 10mm London Blue Topaz Earrings

Now: $668.34

Was: $1422.00

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14kt White Gold 4mm Green Tourmaline and 9 x 7mm Swiss Blue Topaz Earrings

Now: $473.76

Was: $1008.00

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14kt White Gold 9 x 7mm Swiss Blue Topaz and

10 x 14mm Citrine Earrings - My favorite!

Now: $853.52

Was: $1816.00

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Gold Buy!

Need some cash for the Holidays? Or any time of the year for that matter? I buy old gold to make new things, you get dollar dollar bills for stuff that you probably aren't wearing anyway.

Today (12/13/2008), we will be open from 10am til 4pm, other days by appointment.

Give us a ring.
646.957.2058
155 Water Street, 4th Floor
Bklyn NY 11201

Holiday Gifts!

We've got some awesome gifts for the Holidays. (Click the Picture to View Larger) The prices are listed below. It came to my attention the other day that our prices for the diamond studs beat Macy's advertised sale prices and their diamonds are treated...ours are the real thing. Call us for more info and to purchase. The prices are good through 1-1-09.

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Pearl Studs 7-7.5mm in 14kt white or yellow gold: $250

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Princess Cut Diamond Studs:

1/2ct total : $700

3/4ct total: $1050

1ct total: $2100

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Round Diamond Studs:

1/2ct total: $650

3/4ct total: $950

1ct total: $1900

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Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant:

1/2 ct: $950

3/4 ct: $1900

1 ct: $3000

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Princess Diamond Pendant:

1/2ct: $1000

3/4ct: $2000

1ct: $3200

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Peridot and Diamond Collection:

Ring: $350

Pendant: $325

Earrings: $350

Visit Our Website!

www.richer-or-poorer.com

Thanks!

Getting Engaged with a New Old Ring.

A customer came in with a ring that belonged to his girlfriend's grandmother. It was a fashion ring, but it held a lot of sentimental value, so he wanted to make it into her engagement ring.

The original ring had a much larger stone in it, and would have required about a 5ct diamond. The domed lattice top was bent inward and the band of the ring was very thin. So, it was a daunting task - especially because there is no room for mistakes when restoring and adapting a vintage piece.

We chose a 1.75ct oval diamond and you can see how beautifully it turned out above.

We recreated the lattice work to fill in the gap that was left by the original stone - and were able to make it look seamless. We also reshaped the top and added a completely new band with two diamond accents.

In the end it turned out to be one of the most stunning pieces I've ever worked on, and it was such a nice mix of the old - a ring that belonged to her grandmother, and the new - that ring updated with a diamond and her fiance's vision.

Congratulations Jerry and Stephanie!

Jerry and Stephanie got married on Saturday at the Chapel at Forham University.  Above is the first picture from their photographer Ryan Brenizer who was great!  The picture is stunning! Check out the website:  www.ryanbrenizer.com

Stephanie also wore a pair of diamond and pearl earrings that we custom made for her, which you can see below.

I love November.

Tuesday, my new assistant Lorraine starts working with me - which I'm endlessly excited about.

I think Chris (my fiance) is relieved that I will have an extra set of hands.  It feels good to see all of our nights of brainstorming, and our running around this city like crazy people trying to finish a custom engagement ring just hours before the proposal is to take place, have paid off.  

Also very excited that Chris's brother Jerry and his fiance Stephanie are getting married next weekend - can't wait!  I recently did a makeover on her ring which you can see above.  I'll be sure to put some pictures up after the wedding.

New Bangles!

Aren't they pretty?

It isn't politically savvy to be too flashy!

With the election less than a week away and all of the controversy over Sarah Palin’s wardrobe, I began wondering what type of jewelry our country’s leading political women wear.

The most prominent jewelry styles seen at recent political events have been yellow gold designs, pins, broaches, colored stone bead necklaces, and pearls.

Women in politics must walk a fine line. It isn't politically savvy to wear flashy or extremely expensive jewelry as an elected official or the wife of an elected official. Many women involved in politics turn to pearls, especially faux pearls. This is probably because the public can identify with these pieces of jewelry, and may own something similar themselves.

So, what exactly did they wear? Michelle Obama was wearing a large faux strand of pearls on the night her husband claimed the Democratic nomination. Cindy McCain was wearing four strands of pearls on the opening night of the Republican National Convention. VP Candidate Sarah Palin keeps her jewelry simple, often wearing yellow gold earrings. Hillary Clinton on the other hand has a love of designer pieces and color (which has aroused some controversy in the past, namely Bill buying her a 3ct uncut canary diamond ring which many people found offensive). Hilary was wearing a Marco Bicego "paradise" gemstone necklace for her speech at the Democratic Convention.

I vote for Hillary’s taste in jewelry. When it comes to the presidential race, on November 4th I will be voting. That’s all I will say.

Happy Voting!

(I got some of my info from National Jeweler October 2008)

Welcome

I worked in the jewelry industry in New York City for years before starting my own business. It's filled with designers trying to sell cheap raw materials as something new, unusual, and rare. They mark it up two to four times, then sell it to the department stores who at least double that price. Consumers think they're getting something rare and valuable when all they are getting is a bunch of white lies, and something that will be worth practically nothing in a matter of a few years.

When it comes to buying diamonds from these stores, it's even worse. The same outrageous mark-ups apply. They give you a song and a dance so you think it's worth spending twice as much, but in the end you're just another person that fell for their pitch, and paid WAY TOO MUCH. I couldn't live with this style of business.

I grew up in the jewelry industry, under my father. He always took his time with customers, gave them honest and sincere answers to their questions, and at the end of the day it was about making people happy, and creating lasting relationships with entire families.

It doesn't matter whether you're spending $500 or $50,000, everyone should receive the same level of attention and personalized service.

Welcome to our Blog. Please email us with any questions or suggestions for topics that you'd like to see us cover here.