Jewelry

Looking to get some last-minute Christmas shopping done? Then come on out to Howard’s Fine Jewelry! We can promise you you’ll find the best jewelry prices in town in Sterling Heights, MI at our store, with a level of quality supported by our 70 years in business helping the people of our region with all their jewelry needs.

Here are just a few tips to help you find the perfect jewelry gift this Christmas:

• Make it practical: While it can be nice to have something for very special occasions, many people who wear jewelry like to have something they’d wear on a daily basis. Think hoops, rolling bracelets, charms on long chains or anything else that can go with daily attire.
• Avoid the big brand names: It’s always better to support local businesses and avoid going to the big brand name jewelers when you can. Most of those larger stores have higher prices because they’re spending more money on their advertising and awareness activities. When shopping at a smaller store, you’re supporting local business owners who take a tremendous amount of pride in their craft and their work. This goes for brand name jewelry as well—just because something has a familiar brand name and costs more does not mean it’s any better than a brand name you’re unaware of.
• Look for birthstones: Jewelry that features the gift recipient’s birthstone is always a meaningful gesture. There are plenty of birthstones and semi-precious stone alternatives that will be impressive, beautiful and meaningful.
• Get advice: If you’re not particularly knowledgeable about jewelry, then it makes sense to seek the advice of someone who is. Fortunately, a skilled jeweler will be able to answer any questions you have and make some specific recommendations for you based on what you think you might be looking for. Jewelers in smaller shops are much more likely to provide unbiased advice than jewelers in big brand name stores that are angling hard for a commission.
• Bring a friend or family member: If you’re buying for a specific person, it can be a good idea to bring a friend or family member along who knows their tastes and can give you a second opinion on items you’re looking at. Though everyone is going to have different tastes, it can help to have another person with you to bounce ideas off of.
• Look at pearls: Pearls are a perfect complement to just about all types of styles, and they’re nowhere near as expensive as diamonds. There are multiple grades of pearls to choose from, meaning you have various price points to accommodate any budget, but if you’re looking for a necklace, then pearls are a solid idea.

For more information and tips about purchasing jewelry this Christmas season and in the months ahead, we encourage you to contact the experts at Howard’s Fine Jewelry today. Remember, Howard’s Fine Jewelry has the best jewelry prices in town in Sterling Heights, MI, so come on down today before the holiday is over!

If one of your close friends or family members has a birthday in July, you might be at a loss trying to figure out what to give them. Giving birthday gemstone jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI can be a thoughtful gift, and July’s birthstone is the ruby. The ruby is a beautiful stone, but you might not know much about it beyond its signature red hue. Find out a little bit more about this gemstone and tell your loved one about the significance of the ruby to put even more meaning behind a ruby birthday gift.

The origin, significance and status of the ruby

The actual name “ruby” comes from the Latin word “rubis,” which can literally be translated as “red.” The ruby has all kinds of wonderful meanings behind it. The gem represents love, emotion, passion and courage, and has long-been considered the king of all gemstones. Centuries ago, it was commonly believed that the person wearing a red ruby would encounter good fortune. As such, rubies have been worn by royalty, including kings and emperors, throughout history.

Rubies come in a variety of red shades, with hues ranging from reddish purples and blues to red-oranges. Burmese rubies are the most valuable rubies and have a distinctively vibrant red color that has some blue undertones. Rubies are nearly as strong as diamonds and exceed emeralds in their strength. They are also one of the most valuable gemstones on the planet. In fact, rubies that don’t have any imperfections actually surpass diamonds in value. Over the years, many labs have produced synthetic rubies that closely imitate the real thing.

Despite their inherent beauty and strength, most of the rubies that you see incorporated into jewelry have been treated to some extent to increase their appearance and strength. The most popular and valuable rubies tend to come from Thailand or Myanmar, which is where the term “Burmese ruby” came from. Because a ruby’s color is defined by a specific mineral, the geographic location of a ruby can have a significant impact on its appearance, depending on the geological presence of chromium. Myanmar rubies are renowned for their impressive fluorescence. In fact, these stones are even known to have a kind of glowing appearance when exposed to sunlight.

Shop for jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Come to Howard’s Fine Jewelry to browse an extensive selection of beautiful pieces. Whether your loved one has a more classic style or likes jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI with a modern design, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We’re proud to have a 70-year history in the community and an outstanding track record for quality and customer service. We will work with you to determine what your style and budget can accommodate and can show you pieces that have all of the elements you’re looking for. Come see what we have in stock by browsing our website or visiting us in person today—we look forward to helping you!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! If you want to find that perfect jewelry gift, Howard’s Fine Jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI is here for you. We have a wide inventory for a variety of preferences and budgets. There are even pieces on sale, so visit us today for a deal and know that you are prepared for Mother’s Day. Here’s what we offer for that perfect gift:

• Gemstone variety: Diamonds are not just for weddings and romantic gifts. They also work for Mother’s Day, as we offer tasteful pieces in earrings and pendants. But if your mother or spouse prefers different gems and colors, we are here for you. Check out our emerald, aquamarine, ruby and sapphire pieces as well, for those who want something beyond the basic diamond or plain gold piece. Emeralds are the May birthstone, and you can make Mother’s Day extra special for those moms who also have birthdays this month. Many of our rings are on sale, which makes this an excellent opportunity for that personal gift.
• Watches: Sometimes we need a classic watch that does not communicate with our smart phones or count our steps. The Apple Watch and Fitbit are staples of most people’s everyday life, but sometimes a special occasion demands something better—or at least a break from the world’s distractions, demands and fitness goals. Those devices do not match well for an evening out, or your spouse or mother may enjoy being less connected some days. We offer Citizen, Bulova and ESQ watches for men and women. These high-quality timepieces are functional and attractive. They are also fine classic designs that are built to last.
• Diamonds: As mentioned above, diamonds offer more flexibility than realized. While culture often associates diamonds with romance, it is a versatile gem that is appropriate for any occasion. Howard’s Fine Jewelry offers a vast array of diamond items including pendants, earrings, bracelets and, yes, non-wedding ring styles. Diamonds also work well in combinations, as we currently stock diamond earrings that also feature rubies. No matter the occasion or design, diamonds always make a fashion statement.
• Gold options: If you or your gift recipient are not fans of yellow gold, have no fear—our pieces are also available in white or rose gold. We use high-quality 18-karat gold that offers the durability and shine needed for jewelry pieces that last. This allows us to offer something for everyone.
• Budget considerations: You do not have to be rich to afford that unique and valuable gift. Many items are available on sale, and silver is just as acceptable for mounting as gold. Quality and meaning are not incompatible with budgets, so do not write off jewelry just yet. Visit us today and see that we have something for everyone—and every budget.

Visit Howard’s Fine Jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI and enjoy our wide selection of Mother’s Day gifts that are sure to please the special person in your life. We look forward to showing you what we offer!

Moms go above and beyond every single day of the year. They’re always ready to drive the kids to soccer practice or read one more story aloud before bedtime. This year, let your mom, grandmother, wife or a woman who’s like a mother to you know just how much you appreciate all she does. There’s no better way to spoil her than with a present she can wear and cherish forever.

Howard’s Fine Jewelry has you covered this Mother’s Day with our unique collection of premium jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas for mom this year:

• Personalized pieces: A personalized necklace, ring or bracelet is an everyday reminder of how important Mom is. Consider having the names of each child engraved on a bracelet, or add their birthdates to the inside of a gold band featuring a beautiful ruby stone.
• Classic bracelet: Give mom a staple she can turn to for years to come. A classic sterling bracelet is a timeless piece that can easily transition from casual to formal. Another option is a diamond tennis bracelet that will be sure to wow everyone at the next party.
• Diamond pendant: A diamond pendant is a beautiful gift Mom will absolutely adore. Consider a white gold diamond pendant in the shape of a heart, flower or cross. These minimalist designs are sure to make a statement.
• Diamond earrings: Every woman needs a good pair of diamond earrings. Diamond dangle or stud earrings will leave her speechless as soon as she unwraps the box.
• Charm bracelet: Give Mom something personal this Mother’s Day with a custom charm bracelet. Choose from a variety of different charms that convey her personality and interests. Add a flower charm for the mom who loves to garden, or the logo of her favorite sports team. Gift her an additional charm each year for a new Mother’s Day tradition she will love.
• Custom jewelry: Do you already have the perfect gift in mind? Let your creativity shine by creating a custom piece of jewelry for Mom. A jeweler will work with you to turn your idea into reality. The gift will mean even more to Mom when she hears it’s an original idea made just for her.
• Birthstone: Incorporate Mom’s birthstone into a ring, necklace or earrings for a personalized touch. July’s ruby birthstone will pair well with a gold band, while the dark opal stone of October is a perfect match for a statement necklace.

Jewelry is the perfect gift to tell Mom how special she is this Mother’s Day. From customized pieces to diamond heart shaped pendants, Howard’s Fine Jewelry is here to help. You’re sure to find something she will love among our selection of fine jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. Stop by today to browse our selection of jewelry in the store, or check out our stock online today. We look forward to helping you make this Mother’s Day one she will never forget.

With the month of March signaling the start of the spring season, the aquamarine birthstone similarly represents new beginnings, while also presenting hopeful prospects of a bright future. With the help of the jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI, let’s look a little deeper at just where aquamarine originates, as well as some of the most popular ways to wear the luxurious jewelry pieces that incorporate this popular gem.

The aquamarine backstory

Aquamarine can be found in Mexico, Africa and in the Middle East, but is primarily mined in Brazil, which is home to some of the most valuable beryl reserves in the world. The name of the aquamarine stone conjures images of water, and the gem is aptly named, given its range of light-greenish blue colors and bright blue hues. In fact, it is the tint of the blue that can help to determine a particular jewelry piece’s value, with the deeper blue hues being more valuable.

The rich blue color of aquamarine comes from the iron that is present in the beryl mineral, and once the piece undergoes the heating process that eliminates the traces of the green colors that are naturally present, this vibrant blue can really shine through. Aquamarine also comes in at 8 on the hardness scale, making it one of the best stones to use to make durable jewelry pieces, because it can easily withstand the manufacturing process.

Get the look

Once aquamarine is mined, the gemstones are cut and formed into various jewelry pieces that can add elegance and grace to any fashion ensemble. Much like the sea the stone embodies, the clarity of the blue stones has a calming and relaxing effect, and mimics the stress relief that comes from staring into a deep blue ocean or looking up at a tranquil, light blue sky. What makes aquamarine jewelry and accessories truly unique is that, while the softness of the stone promotes peacefulness, the sharpness of the blue can add an edge to any look. The aquamarine birthstone also symbolizes trust and harmony, as well as happiness and youth. The blue stone looks great with any outfit, but will really stand out on those who have blue or green eyes.

No matter what your preference is, be it accessorizing subtly or making a bold statement with your jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, we have the aquamarine pieces that you are looking for at Howard’s Fine Jewelry. For 70 years we have provided top-of-the-line jewelry pieces that you can’t find anywhere else, and we take pride in taking the time out with each piece to make sure every customer can find the right fit. Whether you need an aquamarine bracelet or necklace or a nice set of earrings, our knowledgeable staff is ready to make sure you have the jewelry you’re looking for. If you want to sport the aquamarine birthstone for the entire month of March and beyond, give us a call today so we can help you pick out the perfect piece!

When you think of January, you might visualize hues of blue, white and gray—but this month’s birthstone is actually a fiery hue that is anything but dull. Garnet is a beautiful gemstone that comes in a variety of shades, but is most commonly seen in a rich red. If you have a friend or family member with a birthday or special date in the month of January, it can be a great opportunity to find a piece of jewelry featuring garnet.

Birthstone jewelry is an incredibly thoughtful gift that expresses the individuality of the recipient who you are shopping for. Additionally, birthstone jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI comes in a variety of different styles and designs so you can select a piece that is perfect for the recipient. Find out more about garnet and learn what makes it such a special gemstone!

The history of garnet

Garnet is a gemstone that gets its name from the Latin word “garanatus” which means “seedlike.” The name garnet was given to the gemstone because of its likeness to the bright red seeds found inside a pomegranate. The earliest found use of a garnet in jewelry dates back to a burial necklace from 3000 B.C. Because of its beauty, durability and versatility, garnet has been featured in a number of historically significant contexts throughout time. Believe it or not, Plato actually commissioned an engraver to carve his likeness into a garnet stone. Bohemia was a rich source of garnet that became notorious for its production of the gemstone. Even today, so-called Bohemian garnets are widely regarded for their quality and brilliance.

Garnets have been significant to a lot of different cultures, countries and religions throughout history. During the medieval era, garnet stones were considered to be an effective cure for a number of common ailments, including hemorrhaging, depression, liver problems and even bad dreams. Because of garnets’ association with the pomegranate, a Greek symbol of love, this gemstone has been used to signify love throughout history.

In modern tradition, garnet is often used as a gift for two-year anniversaries and, of course, for January birthdays. Although garnet is most frequently found in deep red hues, it can also occur in a number of other colors, including pink, purple, brown, gray, orange, yellow and green. Garnet is used in many different ways, and you can find it used for necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants at stores that carry gemstone jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI.

Come check out garnet jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI

Whether you want to celebrate a January birthday or surprise a significant other for an anniversary or special occasion, garnet is the perfect gemstone to express love and vibrancy. You can find a variety of garnet pieces at Howard’s Fine Jewelry, a premium retailer of jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI with 70 years of experience. Our dedicated team can help you find the pieces that are perfect for you, and we even offer financing and layaway options. Find the perfect gift for a loved one, or something special for yourself, with help from our expert staff. We would love to assist you, so come in and see us today.

The holidays are coming up fast, which means gifts will need to be purchased for your close friends and family. If you aren’t sure of what to get your loved one, but they have a December birthday, one of the best and easiest gifts is jewelry with their birthstone in it! Gemstones can easily be incorporated into jewelry to create a variety of pieces, including simple earrings, a unique necklace or even a wide selection of rings.

The month of December actually has multiple birthstones, each offering a vibrant and beautiful shade of blue. These blue tones echo the winter wonderland found outdoors in the Midwest, but are also very wearable year-round. If you’re interested in getting your loved one a piece of jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI using their birthstone, read on to learn more about each one and how they are unique.

Blue topaz

Topaz naturally occurs in a variety of colors, spanning icy blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple, and also can occur colorless. Colorless topaz is often heat-treated to produce a blue color, which is popular among consumers.

Topaz is one of the hardest minerals available, with only a few other minerals landing higher on the Mohs hardness scale. Topaz crystals are often elongated, which results in the gemstones being cut in more oval, elongated shapes. Blue topaz makes an excellent addition to a pendant or uniquely shaped ring.

Blue zircon

Zircon is a gemstone that occurs naturally in a wide variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue and brown. It is often found in more earthy tones like red or brown, but can be heat treated to produce a bright blue color.

Zircon is actually one of the oldest minerals on Earth, dating back 4.4 million years. Blue zircon, especially, was very popular during the Victorian period among the elites. Rings are a popular way to wear blue zircon, and have been for decades.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is one of many varieties of the mineral zoisite, which can only be found in Tanzania. This brilliantly blue mineral was discovered in 1967 and has since become extremely popular, particularly among jewelry manufacturers and collectors.

The mineral naturally has blue and violet hues, but can also hold some brown hues, so the mineral is often treated to minimize the brown colors. The mineral is often used as a substitute for sapphire because of its color.

Unfortunately, tanzanite is easily scratched, so it is best used in earrings or pendants, rather than rings, to minimize general wear and tear.

Browse our birthstone jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI

For an excellent selection of jewelry that incorporates gemstones for December birthdays, visit Howard’s Fine Jewelry. For almost 70 years, we’ve been a premium retailer of fine jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. We specialize in silver and gold pieces and engagement jewelry, but also offer a large selection of diamonds, watches, engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings for both men and women.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? We also do custom jewelry! And, if you need to refurbish some old pieces, we offer repair and cleaning services. Visit us today and see how our selection can serve you this holiday season!

With the holiday season fast approaching, you may be starting to think about compiling a gift list for your friends and loved ones. While you might already have some great gift ideas for some of your family and friends, everyone has at least a couple people who seem nearly impossible to shop for. Thankfully, there are some gifts that are almost guaranteed to be gladly received. Jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI is a thoughtful gift that can be customized and tailored to the specific person for whom you are shopping.

One of the most thoughtful types of jewelry to give as a gift is birthstone jewelry. If your gift recipient was born in November, you can surprise them with a beautiful topaz piece. Topaz is a lovely stone, and it also has a lot of interesting characteristics that make it an even more meaningful gift.

All about topaz

As November’s birthstone, topaz is most commonly seen in beautiful blue and orange shades, but it also comes in other colors, including white, blue, red, green, purple, pink, gray and more. Topaz is actually a quite common gemstone, which makes it relatively inexpensive to purchase. In many cases, topaz can be found in large quantities and can be cut into gemstones weighing thousands of carats.

Even though blue topaz is often used in jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, this color is actually not a naturally-occurring shade. The vast majority of the time, topaz is altered through irradiation and heat treatment to create the traditional blue hue seen in most pieces of jewelry. There are many countries around the world that produce topaz. Brazil is the most prominent source of topaz, but Pakistan, China, India, Burma, Russia, Japan, Australia, Madagascar, Mexico, Zimbabwe and more have also been common sources of this gem.

Popular uses for topaz include:

• Earrings: A beautiful pair of topaz earrings makes a beautiful gift for a loved one. The deep hues of topaz add the perfect color accent to a pair of earrings.
• Necklaces: You can’t go wrong with a topaz necklace to celebrate a November birthday. You can select a design and length that is perfect for your recipient.
• Rings: Many people prefer to accent their outfits with colorful rings instead of necklaces or earrings. Rings with topaz gemstones are certain to stand out as gorgeous jewelry pieces.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect gift for your loved one, come to Howard’s Fine Jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. We offer an outstanding selection of jewelry, including topaz pieces, so you can find a gift that your friend or family member will cherish. We have been in business for decades and we continue to help customers find the jewelry pieces that fit their specific preferences and needs. With the holiday season coming up, it’s a great time to start crossing a few names off your list. We would be more than happy to help you find gifts for your loved ones, or something special for yourself. Simply stop by today for an expert consultation with one of our knowledgeable staff members.

The great thing about jewelry is that most items are not season-specific, meaning that if you select the right pieces, you will be right in line with various style trends year-round. But the key to getting that relaxed autumn-ready look is to accessorize with your more fall-colored jewelry. And if you are looking to add new pieces to your jewelry collection this autumn, knowing the latest seasonal trends beforehand can be of great assistance.

Whether you’re into fashion or like to wear something sparkly only on weekends, you’ll want to check out the following trends in autumn jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. Here’s a short guide to 2017’s fashionable fall jewelry styles, materials and stones:

• Opals: October is at the start of fall, and opals just happen to be the birthstone of October. This classically lovely stone has become a popular choice for engagement rings for the younger generation, but you can wear opals everyday. Earrings, a necklace, a bracelet—just wear it! To really fit into the season, look for opals in rustic settings, which pair well with the stone’s iridescent quality.
• Pearls: While pearls may seem plain on their own, they always seem to make a statement as jewelry. This autumn, give pearls a chance! Single pearls make beautiful necklace pendants, or you can try out a delicate full-length precious metal ear cuff with a large round pearl on one end and a smaller round one on the other. Also trending this season is a single pearl placed in the center of a square ring setting.
• Crystals: From sparkling rings to chandelier earrings, crystals are all the rage this fall. The best part of crystal jewelry? You can wear it with just about any outfit, be it casual or formal, which makes it a great choice to complement your fall layers. Crystals that best fit the season include amethyst, tourmaline, citrine and topaz—mix and match for extra boldness.
• Statement rings: Making a comeback this fall are statement rings. Both women and men can accessorize with statement rings, as boldness knows no gender. Basically, these rings have oversized stones and thick metal bands. They are attention grabbers when worn alone, or can be layered with your delicate, thinner, gold or silver ring bands.
• Anklets: You might think of anklets as a summer accessory, but there’s still time to wear them throughout the autumn months. Made of simple metal chains or with stones, wear these with slip-ons or strappy high heels.

Gift giving season is right around the corner!

The arrival of autumn is like a seasonal “save the date” for the upcoming holidays. So, why not browse the jewelry counter now for the best Christmas gifts for your loved ones? Start looking early to find that perfect jewelry gift, and don’t forget to take advantage of all those fall sales!

For the finest selection of jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, look no further than Howard’s Fine Jewelry. Our team can help you pick out your new favorite piece of autumn jewelry, and we’re ready to guide you through some early Christmas shopping, too!