Will the Price of Gold Hold?

October 26th, 2011

With the sky-rocketing price of gold today, the budding question on everyone’s mind is whether or not it will hold its value in the future. Sitting at over $1,500 an ounce, the price of gold is bursting through old ceilings as investors desperately seek a more solid product in which to rest their ailing stocks.   Each day that passes breeds more people interested in buying gold & selling gold.

As the U.S. dollar continues to take a nosedive, gold has taken center stage in the portfolios of conscious investors. Creating a modern-day gold rush, this precious metal sits on a bubble that has many skeptics looking concerned. Much like the housing peak of 2007, investors fear that the rise in the price of gold and silver is the result of careless speculation. Others believe that it is a result of economic troubles that have caused a transition from more risky stocks to a more stable gold solution.

Over the past few years, gold prices have continued to increase. To make an assessment on the stability of gold, one must look at the overall factors that affect the price of gold.

  • Gold has significant commercial use. This means that even in a recession, commercial demand stays strong and may even increase the price of precious metals.
  • Foreign demand helps stabilize the price of gold as commercial consumption overseas from Indonesia, China, and India remains strong even in a crumbling U.S. economy.
  • Often used as a hedge against inflation, gold is commonly added to portfolios as a protection investment. This cautionary surge has aided the value of gold in economic times of late.
  • The decline of the U.S. dollar has helped gold to become the preferred method of payment in recent times.
  • Central banks also affect the value of gold as they grow their gold reserves. Large gold purchases by central banks often lead to a surge in gold prices.

The value of gold in commercial trade will most likely help to keep its value steady over time. The question as to whether cautious stock holders will again begin to trade out of gold’s stability and into more aggressive stocks is yet to be seen. As well, if the value of the U.S. dollar recovers, gold could lose some of its stronghold.

Like most commodities, gold is driven by age-old supply and demand. Speculation also plays a part as investors hedge their bets for the future and decide whether to jump on the gold boat or wait for the next best thing.

Financial stress is a major player in the current demand of gold. Like all precious metals, gold is a defensive stock, holding its own in times of uncertainty. But even gold is not completely immune to economical stressors. If congress decided to turn over a new leaf and pay down its debt, if the US dollar made a rebound in value, or if gold or commodities tipped heavy on the scale, the value of gold could begin to decrease. But the chances of these factors coming true tomorrow—or any time in the near future—are quite minimal.

Even with the uncertainty of speculation in the price of today’s gold, it is still a stable stock; hence why it is used as a stabilizer in times of economic turmoil. Because of this, gold is also not a stock that should be bought and sold on a dime. Long-term goals must be kept in mind, as investing for the future is an important part of evaluating your assets. Gold is a great long-term investment and one of the most stable stocks in which to place your long-term savings.

That being said, if you have gold to unload in the way of jewelry and household items, now might just encompass the best circumstances under which to sell it. Although gold is a stable and fairly predictable stock, history shows that bubbles do sometimes burst, even on a smaller scale. What goes up often must come down, so if you’re holding onto a handful of gold that could help you lift a financial burden today and help you improve your tomorrow, selling your assets at the probable peak of the next American gold rush is a great way to reap the most out of liquidating your precious metal assets.

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Save on Designer Prices, Get Your Jewelry Custom Made!

October 26th, 2011

Whether you are looking to buy jewelry for yourself, spruce up an old piece, or create a special gift for a friend or loved one, customized jewelry can not only save you cash, but it can help you produce a piece of jewelry that is a one-of-a-kind item created with your particular style in mind. Hand-crafted and custom-made jewelry is becoming more prevalent in recent times where the need for new and creative jewelry is rising, but the price of designer pieces has become too heavy for most of our wallets.

Independently owned custom jewelry retailers are a great place to seek out customized jewelry at affordable prices. Handmade designs and reworking of older pieces of jewelry can help you create a piece that is stunning, unique, and affordable. At a fraction of designer prices, a custom-made piece of jewelry can surpass any generic designer piece sure to be worn by hundreds or thousands of other people.

Clean Out Your Closet for Customized Flair

Redesigning old pieces of jewelry is a great way to cut costs and also bring a little bit of your history into your future. With the right jeweler on your side, you can take an old piece of jewelry and transform it into something beautiful that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Even pieces that were given to you that you don’t particularly care for can be reworked into something you don’t want to take off. Styles can also change over time, which makes it difficult to frequently re-outfit a wardrobe with new pieces to match an adjusted style. Customizing jewelry offers the ability to rework old pieces to fit a new feel without shelling out the hard-earned cash necessary to buy a whole new set of jewelry.

Smaller is Better

Smaller jewelers have a more unique and carefully considered inventory, and are geared toward attentive customer service, not pushy sales tactics. Local jewelers tend to take a keen interest in every customer, and also have a longstanding history in the business and exceptional pride in their work and craftsmanship. Larger jewelers can be intimidating and pushy.

A local, family-run jeweler will be able to offer you guidance in the custom design process, offering unique insight and a true interest in your piece of jewelry.

Buffering the Budget

The economy these days is tough. Purse strings are tighter, wallets are lighter, and the need to buy new items is offset by the ability to make ends meet. Designer jewelry is simply off the books for most of today’s society. But this doesn’t mean that no changes can be made to everyday wear. Customized jewelry can give you just the boost you need without breaking your budget. Even a small change to a piece of jewelry can be enough to give it a whole new look and feel. Communicating with a trustworthy and skilled jeweler can help you explore your options before you go digging into deep reserves to pay for entirely new pieces of jewelry.

Trusting Your Designer

Communication and trust are key factors in finding the right jeweler to help you customize your jewelry. Oftentimes this is just as important as the cost. Try one piece of customized jewelry and see how you feel before moving on to other pieces. A good jeweler will be able to do wonders within the confines of your price range. Your jeweler can also identify alternative metals to use in order to lower the price without risking the quality.

Big chains are less likely to carry customized jewelry or have the craftsmen on staff to take your ideas and bring them to life with the skill and care of a smaller family jeweler. Family jewelers can often cut out the middlemen and help bring facets to you for a lower price than larger distributors. Look through your old pieces of jewelry and talk to a skilled jeweler about revamping your sparkling accessories for a new lease on luxurious living. Even old jewelry can be given a makeover for a fraction of the cost of designer jewelry. Seeking out customized pieces can help you shop within your budget, control your costs, and also leverage your artistic side for a style that fits you perfectly.

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Best Places to Pop the Question in San Diego

October 26th, 2011

One of the greatest things about San Diego is its wide variety of beautiful outdoor scenery and the unique possibilities it holds for lovers. With its warm weather, beautiful ocean views, sandy beaches, breathtaking cliffs, and abundant wildlife, San Diego brings beautiful backdrops and sensational sunsets to its patrons for free. If you’re looking to find a romantic spot for that one special moment, you don’t have to look any further than Southern California for outdoor beauty, indoor elegance, and experiences sure to delight all the senses and dazzle your loved one.

La Jolla Cove

As one of the most unforgettable natural spots in San Diego, La Jolla Cove is known by everyone for its beautiful scenery, vast parks, sea life, shops, and unmatched sunsets. Take some time to dine at one of the high-class restaurants here that can provide the perfect backdrop for that one special moment. Take in a dinner with beautiful views of the ocean, and then stroll down to catch the sunset along the cliffs.

Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado is an amazing historic Victorian hotel, and one of the last wooden Victorian beach resorts still standing. This beachfront luxury hotel sprawls along the sparkling Coronado beach, bringing visitors from far and wide. A hotspot for weddings, this hotel is brimming with a romantic ambiance. With walkways long the sand and five-star restaurants inside, you can catch the sunset and share that special moment wrapped in the lap of luxury.

A Sunset Gondola Cruise

Bring all the romance of Italy to your proposal by taking an hour-long private ride through the Coronado waterways on a Gondola built for two. With the aid of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, your gondola ride comes with a blanket, wine glasses, and a complimentary appetizer or dessert. Bring your loved one on this romantic sunset cruise and arrange for a professional mandolin or violin player to come along to capture that one unforgettable moment with a sweet serenade.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is full of amazing scenery, and has many little nooks and pathswhere a couple can sit alone together and watch the sun go down. The park has been a popular backdrop to many romantic dates, weddings, and festivities. Built in 1915 for a world’s fair, the El Prado area of Balboa Park boasts a Spanish Colonial feel and is especially romantic, sporting buildings that bring a stunning, exotic impression to the marriage proposal experience.

Kate Sessions Park

North of Mission Bay, this large recreational park is settled on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the bay and downtown. One of the last public places where you can bring a bottle of wine, sitting atop the Kate Sessions hilltopand watching the sun settle and reflect its light off the downtown skyline is a great way to bring some San Diego scenery into your proposal. If you stay into dusk, you can even catch the fireworks show from Sea World.

Private Hot Air Balloon Ride and Wine Tours

What’s more romantic than a hot air balloon? Take a ride above the vast expanse of Temecula wine country, soaring over the rolling vineyards over 500 feet above the ground. Propose at the height of this gentle flight to make a lasting memory and help your relationship reach new heights, then celebrate by journeying through a romantic wine tour of Temecula’s best wineries.

Horse-drawn Carriage

Nothing says romance like a horse-drawn carriage. Take your loved one on a fairy tale ride by horse-drawn carriage along San Diego’s downtown waterfront and celebrate your love through one of the most traditional romantic scenes that has lasted through the ages.

Hornblower Cruises

Hop on a San Diego Hornblower cruise and pop the question while cruising over San Diego waters. Enjoy the scenery and the San Diego skyline atop a cruise ship and experience life at its best. Popular for hosting weddings on the water, the Hornblower cruises are well-known for their beautiful ships, elegant dinners, whale watching, and stargazing. Enjoy champagne and live music, and propose under the San Diego stars on this romantic ocean excursion.

San Diego is an amazing, breathtaking place to share that special moment. With brilliant scenery, luxurious restaurants, rolling vineyards and unique experiences like gondola rides and hot air balloon flights, your proposal can become something that is looked back upon with fondness for years to come.

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Antique Jewelry is the “Newest” Hit

October 26th, 2011

As fashion trends wax and wane, antique jewelry has again found itself in the spotlight. The idea of vintage jewelry as a hot commodity first developed in the late 1960s as fashion became focused away from the norm and on to unique styles and one-of-a-kind pieces from past decades. The popularity of vintage jewelry stems from its ability to allow you a custom piece of art that is rare, distinctive, and often the only if its kind.

General fashion trends in the 60s needed variation and the style required added depth. Vintage jewelry from earlier times became a sought-after product and retro fashion boutiques began popping up here and there to attend to the demand.

This trend has again cycled into popularity as today’s stars have begun toting their wares on-screen, on the red carpet, and even on the runway. From Sharon Stone to Chloë Sevigny, celebrities have emerged to tote their barrettes and baubles from days past. Vintage jewelry allows an individual a level of uniqueness that is often hard to find in today’s cookie-cutter world of fashion.

As a result, the vintage bracelet that you are sporting may very well be included in this re-emerging height of fashion. And since no one is likely to have the exact same piece, many pieces of antique jewelry are in fact custom originals with an exciting history and untapped value.

How to Choose an Antique Piece of Jewelry

Look for signatures – Pieces signed from popular designers such as Hattie Carnegie, Sarah Coventry, and Miriam Haskell are a mark of quality and are often of higher value than others.

Keep an eye on clasps – Clasps comprised of simple hooks can come undone and may need to be replaced with a later model so that you don’t risk losing the piece. Clasps made around the sixties and prior are sturdier and more dependable.

Weigh your options – Older pieces tend to be heavier in weight, as antique pieces of the twenties and thirties were made of heavier metals, with lighter options being introduced after World War II.

Don’t be distracted by dirt – Older pieces may look a little grimy when you pluck them out of their closets, quaint shops, and antique malls, but jewelry can often be buffed and cleaned to look good as new with just a little elbow grease.

Types of Vintage Jewelry

Each era has a distinct look and feel. Vintage jewelry can come by way of Victorian elegance, symmetrical Art Deco pieces, and elegant Edwardian appeal. Later styles include the ever-popular chokers, charm bracelets and bangles.

Victorian

Victorian jewelry hails from the late 1830s to early 1900s, under the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain. This type of antique jewelry is often ornate and natural in design.

The Victorian mourning period also brought about its own style of jewelry, producing pieces that incorporate jet, enamel, and onyx. These pieces are rare and highly collectible.

Retro

Retro jewelry was in fashion from 1945 to 1960. Common in Hollywood, retro jewelry is best recognized by its chunky bracelets and charms.

Art Deco

Art deco jewelry is minimalistic and often incorporates long necklaces and layered gemstone bracelets.

Costume

Costume jewelry is usually of lesser monetary value, but is vintage-inspired. Costume jewelry is often set with semi-precious stones and hued with tones of rose and yellow colors.

Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry comes from family members that leave behind old treasures after they pass. Estate jewelry often yields pieces from the many different eras of that individual’s lifetime. Many of the older pieces of jewelry are hand-crafted specifically with the individual in mind and yield one-of-a-kind pieces.

Investing in Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry comes with its own charm and history. Jewelry that comes from an estate often has minor wear and tear, and a traceable past. Heirlooms that are kept in good condition will only grow in value and can become part of your wardrobe, making it a value both in everyday life and in the future.

With antique jewelry back in demand, the possibilities are endless and create a perpetual treasure hunt for those looking for unique and desirable pieces of jewelry from eras past. As vintage jewelry hits the big screen and many start digging in their closets for antique valuables, the market will again produce unique pieces from the past.

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San Diego’s Best Rings & Jeweler!

September 26th, 2011

This year, Levi Family Jewelers was chosen by San Diegans to be in the top 5 for two separate awards!

In the Union-Tribunes’s annual “Best Of” contest, we took second place for  San Diego’s favorite Jeweler.

Additionally, 10News’ annual “A-List” named us the #4 purveyor of wedding rings in San Diego!

We are honored to be thought of so highly and appreciate the continued business of our  loyal customers.  Please come by to see why we were again voted as one of San Diego’s premiere providers of fine jewelery and engagement rings!

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Cashing In: Avoid the pawn shop and head to your local jeweler

September 2nd, 2011

In these challenging financial times, everyone is looking to stretch their funds just a little further. And when push comes to shove, the next things to go are usually those tangible items tucked back in the corner that we can do without. Old family jewelry or stashed away gold is being pulled out of closets and dug up out of attics as the price of precious metals continues to rise.

Because of this upswing in the value of precious metals, many people are turning to the pawn shop to help loosen their purse strings. But where pawn shops provide a quick and customary service for turning materials into money, the true winner is not always the seller. Fortunately, there is more than one way to liquidate some of your finer assets.

Risks of Dealing with Pawn Shops

Pawn shops are popular today mostly because individuals are just not aware that there are alternative options. But with a little knowledge of where to find them, alternative options are a great solution. Gold, silver, and platinum are all selling right now at unquestionably favorable prices. Because of this trend, cashing out your precious metals is a great way to line your pockets. Your old jewelry and scrap metal can be traded in for a very attractive payout.

Although it may be tempting to walk down the block to your local pawn shop and unload (or often travel to shops located in less desirable areas of town) you may be walking back with far less cash than your valuables are worth. Pawn shops may appear to be the easy answer, but they are often not the most lucrative choice. Where most businesses are looking to make a marginal profit, pawn shops are commonly making quite a bit more out of your trade-in than you are. A pawn shop can turn your sale around for 80% over your sale price, offering you merely 20% on the true value of your items.

Turning to Your Reputable Jeweler

The safest way to get the best price per ounce on your unwanted jewelry is to turn to a reputable jeweler. Jewelers can appraise your items and determine the proper weight and calculations, along with an informed explanation of the worth of your items. Being able to ask questions in a low-pressure atmosphere can help you feel comfortable about your sale without being shuffled out the door.
A well-known jeweler will most often also charge lower commissions for the sale, raising the total dollar amount that you walk away with in the end. Pawn shops are also indiscriminant. They will purchase anything including electronics and appliances, which make your item just another sale and your buyer potentially less knowledgeable about the true value of your precious metals. Jewelers are experts in their field, and their reputation for upstanding dealings in jewelry is the cornerstone of their business. Jewelers are careful about their trade, and will weigh your karats using the correct measurements and separate items by karat to offer you the most accurate estimate of your valuables.

Doing business with a jeweler offers you a low-stress, comfortable, informed transaction without the sometimes questionable atmosphere of the pawn shop. Jewelers know that their sellers are also often also their customers, and establishing the fair market value of items being sold and bought is an important part of growing their business. Pawn shops deal with a gamut of nameless buyers and sellers, and many of these dealings can be shady at best.

Where pawn shops tend to work outside convention, jewelers are required to meet certain standards in order to maintain a notable business. Where jewelers are required to ask for identification when buying gold from a seller and weigh metals by karat and specific industry measurements, pawn shops often deal with items from unconfirmed sources and have questionable weighing habits. Correctly appraising precious metals and also confirming the source of these items are all part of a reputable process.

A rise in the value of your jewelry is no reason to rush off to the first buyer you find, especially if you are not getting the best deal you can. Shopping around for prices, exploring your options, working with industry experts and consulting with experienced appraisers are the best ways to ensure you get the most out of your jewelry.

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Selling Your Gold: A beginner’s guide

September 2nd, 2011

In today’s economy, everyone could use a little extra green to line their pockets. And with the price of gold up over 18 percent since the beginning of 2011, digging up old relics could be your ticket to a hefty chunk of change. But the question of the hour now that gold is a hot commodity becomes: how do you go about selling your gold for the best price?

If this is your first experience selling gold, you might have a handful of opportunity and no roadmap for cashing it in. You may be tempted to run to your closest pawn shop, or attend one of the popular “gold parties” that are popping up where you can reap rewards and take home a check on the spot. But before you sell your grandfather’s watch, it’s important that you make sure you understand the fundamentals of the gold selling process.

Know Your Gold Scale

The worth of your gold will help determine its value, and jewelers use a specific measurement standard. Professional jewelers use the Troy ounce to measure gold. This measurement weighs in at 31.1 grams per Troy ounce, and buyers often use a weight system called a pennyweight to measure this out. Standard U.S. scales will measure 28 grams per ounce, so keep this in mind when selling your gold. A dealer that measures your gold by the gram is paying you less for the weight of your bounty than is fair.

Count your Karats

The karat number of your gold treasure can also help you determine its relative value. Because of its soft, malleable consistency, gold is combined with harder metals to improve its durability. This mixture describes the karat value of the gold. One karat equals a mixture that is 1/24th pure gold. So a ten karat piece of jewelry would consist of a mixture that is 10 parts gold to 14 parts other metal. Any jewelry that is less than ten karats is not allowed by U.S. standards to be labeled as “gold”. It’s important for you to make sure that when you sell your gold, the buyer weighs your different karats separately. This will keep you from getting bamboozled by dealers who will weigh all your gold together and pay you by the lowest karat price.

Know the Worth of Your Weight in Gold

Check with your local neighborhood jeweler to find the current market price of gold. Those looking for quick money often skip this step and then suffer the consequences of selling their gold for 60% or less than its market value.

Keep in mind as well, that you won’t get the full price of your gold. A buyer has to reap some profit and also cover the expense of melting down your pieces, if that is what will ultimately come of them. Expect to get 10-20% less than the full price for your gold.

Appraise Your Pieces

The fact that your item is made of gold may be a secondary consideration. Keep in mind that if your piece is made from a well-known designer, part of a historical event or is very old, you may be able to sell it in its current form for more than you would get based on its gold content. Do your research and have your pieces appraised in advance to ensure you’re not giving away a one-of-a-kind collector’s item.

Make sure you understand the fair market price of your gold by comparing bids from reputable local jewelers like Levi Family Jewelers. You can check the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to set your mind at ease.

Ask for Credentials

By law, buyers should ask sellers for identification. This helps protect consumers by tracking the sales of stolen property. Reputable buyers should be in compliance with this rule, and any who are not should raise red flags.

Gold buyers should also be licensed by your state. Choosing a longstanding company is also an important part of securing the integrity of your transaction. Gold buyers are popping up left and right, and it’s important to choose a company or jeweler that has a history of integrity.

Taking a few safeguards into consideration will help you glean the best price for your gold, and help make your experience comfortable and profitable. Now is a better time than ever to turn your precious metal into profit.

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History of the NBA Championship Ring

July 28th, 2011

History of the NBA Championship Ring

The NBA was established back in the late 1940s and has consistently grown in popularity whenever there are remarkable teams playing the game or championships being won. The word dynasty is used to describe an era of a team that cannot be compared to any other, and there have been more than one. The Boston Celtics in the 60s, L.A. Lakers in the 80s, and Chicago Bulls in the 90s all stand out as some of the best basketball ever played. All of this hard work was for one important goal, to walk away at the end of the season with a championship ring on their finger. Here is a brief history of important championship rings and who has more than anyone else.

Top 5 NBA Championship Rings

  1. Dallas Mavericks, 2011 – One of the greatest accomplishments in the history of the NBA has yet to be rewarded with a ring full of bling. The ring doesn’t exist yet, but should be on its way. Owner Mark Cuban decided he wanted to try something more creative, but with the backlash of the basketball community and media, he may just give in to popular demand. The Mavericks defeated the completely stacked Miami Heat, giving the Mavs, Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki their first championship and a chance to redeem themselves from the loss to the Heat in 2006. Now if Mark Cuban will just hurry up and get the guys their rings, the Mavs can be penciled in as one of the greatest stories in basketball history.
  2. Los Angeles Lakers, 2009 – The Lakers’ first back-to-back championship led by the larger than life superstar Kobe Bryant and crew. Kobe hadn’t tasted that sort of victory since his younger days with Shaq supporting underneath. Now Bryant has five rings, and there’s still a chance for more depending on how the team and their new coach work together this year.
  3. San Antonio Spurs, 2007 – The Spurs swept the young Cleveland Cavs and defeated LeBron James who is now infamous for losing in the championship round. Sweeping the finals is enough in itself to qualify the victory as one of the greatest in NBA history, but doing it to a team lead by superstar LeBron James makes it taste even better.
  4. Boston Celtics, 2008 – The team who first introduced “the big three” came through in a big way by bringing home the championship in the first year. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen dominated in 2008, but we have yet to see the same performance shine through again.
  5. Miami Heat, 2006 – Despite all of the controversy this year with their artificial “big three,” Dwayne Wade made a name for himself in Miami with his first and only championship in 2006. He took the underdog Heat to the finals and saved the big games when he needed to.

Players with the Most Championship Rings

  • Bill Russell (11): Bill Russell stands alone with 11 championship rings, six more than any current player. He won the MVP award five times as a center for the Boston Celtics dynasty team during the 1960s. He earned 11 championships in his 13 years in the NBA and was the centerpiece to the most successful team in basketball history. He also holds the record for most champions won by any single American athlete in any sport.
  • Sam Jones (10): Nicknamed “the shooter” because he was one of the most successful clutch scorers in basketball history, Sam Jones is second only to his teammate Bill Russell in number of championships. If he had joined the NBA a year or two earlier, he would have surely been atop the list with Russell. Russell was the defense and rebounder while Jones was the guy who could win the game in the last second with an amazing shot. The two teammates created the most dynamic duo ever to play in the NBA and no other dynasty has come close to surpassing their accomplishments.
  • Tom Heinsohn (8): The only person to have been involved in an official capacity with the Celtics during all 17 of their championships and 21 NBA finals appearances was a player, coach, and is still a commentator. He played during the 60s dynasty alongside Bill Russell, Sam Jones, and crew.
  • KC Jones (Boston Celtics, 59-67)
  • Satch Sanders (Boston Celtics, 60-73)
  • John Havlicek (Boston Celtics, 62-78) – Havlicek played during the Bill Russell dynasty but also continued on to play on the 1974 and 1976 championship teams. Over 16 years, he became the highest scoring Caucasian player in NBA history.
  • Jim Loscutoff (7, Boston Celtics, 55-64)
  • Frank Ramsey (Boston Celtics, 54-64)
  • Robert Horry: The first player on this list that isn’t related to the Celtics dynasty of the 60s is Robert Horry. He won championships playing for three different teams. Two with the Houston Rockets, three with the Los Angeles Lakers, and two more with the San Antonio Spurs. His nickname “Big Shot Rob” comes from his ability to make the clutch shot in important games.
  • Bob Cousy (6, Boston Celtics, 50-70)
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The 80s were ruled by the Los Angeles Lakers and the obvious leader was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He started his dominant career with the Bucks but solidified his dynasty in the Lakers.
  • Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen: The second best dynamic duo in NBA history is easily awarded to the leaders of the Chicago Bulls dynasty; Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen. Both players acquired six championship rings playing together. The popularity of the NBA skyrocketed when the Bulls showboated into 6 championships in 8 years from 1991-98.
  • George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Slater Martin, Larry Siegfried, Don Nelson, Michael Cooper, Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, Ron Harper, Steve Kerr, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher (5)

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You Would Buy a Pre-owned Vehicle, Why Not a watch?

July 28th, 2011

Most people have purchased a pre-owned vehicle in their life despite the potential risks involved, but many people still hesitate to buy a used watch. Why is it that a collectible item like a luxury wrist watch scares people away but expensive cars that have likely been in a crash or two are sold every day? Both purchases do require time and extensive research to find the perfect fit for an individual, but a car and a watch aren’t that far apart.

Similarities of a Pre-owned Vehicle and Watch

  • Quality: Car and watch manufacturers all have quality reputations based on years of experience. When you go shopping for a used car, you generally look for a car known for its quality because it will be used and you want to make sure it won’t fall apart on you. Same thing with a watch; you wouldn’t buy a used watch from a low-quality manufacturer because it is likely to break in a short period of time. Price isn’t always in direct relation to the quality of a new, unused watch, but if you are trying to cut corners and pay less, you are more likely to end up with a lesser-quality product.
  • History: It is good practice to ask the car owner for the full history of the vehicle to find out if it had ever been in a crash or had major repairs before. While there is no official “Department of Wrist Watches” reporting on the history of a watch, the seller should be able to tell you everything about the fine watch such as where it came from, how many owners have had it, how old it is, and if there have been repairs made. These must all be taken into consideration when purchasing a high-end pre-owned watch.
  • Style: Both a car and a watch will be seen by the public when you are using it. You want to make a statement with the accessory and also have it match your personal style. It is really important to find the car that you feel you look good in, just as it is important to find the watch that looks good on you. You would not want to be ashamed every time you stepped into your car, just as you would not want to be ashamed to put on your watch you paid good money for. No matter how perfect the quality is, you should still make sure the pre-owned watch is the perfect style for you before even considering a purchase.
  • Technical Specifications: Nobody in their right mind would buy a pre-owned car without first understanding what exactly was under the hood. Is it a four or six cylinder? What type of transmission does it have? Does the air conditioning system work? These are all good questions you would ask. Same goes for watches; you will want to know what components the watch has, who manufactured them, if they have been replaced, and what their expected life will be.
  • Documentation: Ownership documentation, historical documents, proof of servicing and other items should all be included in the exchange of both pre-owned cars and fine watches. If the seller is not willing to provide the appropriate documents, you wouldn’t buy the car or watch.
  • Warranty or Guarantee: Just because you are buying pre-owned doesn’t mean you should risk walking away from the purchase without any sort of warranty or guarantee. A lot of times, you won’t receive any type of warranty from a private seller but if you use a reputable dealer like Levi Family Jewelers then you can be assured that the purchase comes with protection.
  • Service: When you use a dealer for both cars and watches, they can help you find the perfect one for you and explain everything in detail. When making a large purchase that you will probably have for a long time to come, you should expect only the highest quality service to help you through the process. If you aren’t receiving good service from the seller, walk away from the transaction because poor service will probably mean a poor product in the end anyway.

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Kim Kardashian’s $2 Million Engagement Ring

June 28th, 2011

They say it’s all about the bling and Kim Kardashian certainly proved that when she recently got engaged to Kris Humphries. Humphries has been quoted saying he wanted the engagement ring to be large and he definitely succeeded, as the gem is a reported 20-plus-carat stunner. If things don’t work out, she could use it as a paperweight, right? The ring probably weighs about four ounces, which is the equivalent of a deck and a half of playing cards! You’d have to get used to carting around that much weight on one hand, but I imagine most women wouldn’t be complaining if their significant other gifted them with such a trophy.

Humphries helped to design the ring along with renowned jeweler, Lorraine Schwartz. Schwartz has been a longtime friend of the Kardashians and is known for creating engagement rings for other stars, including Beyonce Knowles. The ring features a 16.5-carat emerald cut center stone and is flanked by a pair of 2-carat trapezoids. Kardashian loves the classic design, and what woman wouldn’t love that her fiancé went to such expense and care to design her engagement ring?

Humphries reportedly was able to keep his over-the-top ring a secret from then girlfriend, Kim. Kardashian said he just always listened to what she wanted and paid attention to the shapes she loves. She admitted to dropping the emerald cut hint, but Humphries called in his own parents as well as some of Kim’s friends to make sure he got Kim just what she wanted. The other Kardashian girls are giving Kim the win for biggest bling in the family! Humphries must have found a great hiding place as he said he had the ring for a few weeks before actually proposing.

The couple has only been dating for about six months, but Humphries is certainly enamored with Kim. Besides the stunning jewels, the ring features some more personal touches. There are two quotes from the Bible engraved on the ring as well as “K [heart] K”, standing for Kris and Kim. He took a few days to research the quotes and pick out the perfect ones. Can’t beat the romance factor!

There are some rumors being thrown around that the ring is a fake. This will be Kardashian’s second marriage, and there is a rumor she was actually engaged to former boyfriend, Reggie Bush, and sporting a similar engagement ring. Some people are saying that the whole thing is just a publicity stunt. Jay Leno even staged a scene on his show with Kim where he took the ring that she had on her finger and “tested” it by lighting a match under it to see if it would burn. The ring blazed up, but it was obviously a joke. He handed back her real ring soon after. While it was an amusing piece for Leno’s show, Kim, Kris, and their jeweler all assure the public that it’s the real deal.

Still, others in the population are more concerned that the ring actually is authentic. Some are voicing outrage that someone would actually spend that kind of money on an engagement ring. Comments on blog posts all over the Internet show that many Americans are less than impressed with such a hefty price tag.

Kris Humphries makes about 3.5 million a year as a salary, so even for him the ring is a pretty hefty financial commitment. Some call that a romantic gesture, others call it foolish. Either way, anybody would have a hard time denying the beauty of the $2 million rock. What’s your opinion?  Come by today to see our collection of diamond rings to learn more about this famous ring!

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