Bostonian Jewelers

Made in America - Bostonian's American Dream

2011-10-21T14:31:00.000-04:00

Actually, made right here in Boston. For over 30 years Bostonian Jewelers has been an American manufacturer creating jobs and doing our bit to contribute to the economy and America's future.

We do not purchase jewelry made overseas or from designers that source inexpensive labor from other countries. We make all your treasures right here. Manufacturing in America is a tremendous ongoing challenge to compete in the global marketplace and succeed. It speaks of the integrity and courage our owners have in the future of Bostonian and the future of America.

The owners of Bostonian Jewelers immigrated to this country based on opportunities America could provided to those who were willing to work hard for them. Those years of hard work paid off and Bostonian is now well known across the Nation for their excellence in custom design and restorations. During the time when manufacturing was moving out of America, Bostonian increased their manufacturing right here with their popular styles like the "Bostonian Three Stone Ring". In some cases, going door to door selling our products and services. This was not a time to abandon the dream and take another path. They saw this as a challenge to set their place as a leading American manufacturer. That same principal applies today. Bostonian is still considered to be the place where jewelers bring their tough jobs that need to be done right. Our owners are steadfast in their commitment to the "American Dream" and what it means to our customers and to our employees.

How Patriotic is your jewelry? When we create an item all of the fabrication is started and finished in Downtown Boston, and most, if not all of the ingredients are from the U.S.A. We do not source pre-made jewelry and imports and sell them as our own. All of our products were designed and made proud in America. We will responsibility source gemstones from all over the world as well as our own 50 states for our clients and all of the products we make are stamped with our quality and manufacturers trademarks. Best of all, when you make the choice to purchase an American made product, your supporting your own community.

Bostonian Jewelers was founded on the principals of this country with the same dream in hand and this is what makes the fabric of Bostonian. Our commitment to the three magic words. "Made in America".

Photo credit: apportionment.us/resources.html

Most Romantic Spots in Boston…

2011-06-30T17:59:00.002-04:00

Whether you have been married for 50+ years or met just moments ago, there is nothing better than finding your special place in the bustling city just for the two of you. Here are a few of our suggestions from Bostonian Jewelers for some memorable moments in the heart of our city.

Boston’s Harbor Walk is full of so many activities, quite places and discoveries that it ranked #1 for us Bostonians! Together you can spend the entire day and night exploring Boston’s neighborhoods in a 50 mile stretch of newly developed public space. We have a few of our favorites listed, but walk along and you will be sure to find your own romantic spot.

Rose Kennedy Greenway: Boston is truly blessed with this transformation on the waterfront. This is the perfect “low-tech” spot to stroll along and discover artists, new food vendors, and spectacular fountain shows. Make your way under the Arch at the Christopher Columbus Water Park (a perfect spot to drop to one knee). An arched walkway illuminated at night and is glorious in all of Mother Nature’s seasons.

Free! What could be more romantic than free? Hatch Shell on the Esplanade offers free music and movies throughout the Summer. Just pack some snacks (no alcohol) and a comfy blanket and snuggle up under Boston’s starry night sky. 103.3 WODS Free Summer Concert Series offers a variety of live concerts starting at 7pm and cool cartoons every Friday at sundown sponsored by WBZ Free Friday Flicks.

Fenway Park: Take in a Red Sox Game. We can’t think of anything sexier than Boston’s Champions. From box seats to nose bleeders, enjoy all the action with your loved one and make sure to make your move while singing “Sweet Caroline”.

Charlestown Navel Yard Ferry - MBTA: Who would think to have the word romantic and “T” in the same place, but yes it is true. A little known route from Charlestown Navel Yard to Long Wharf is a fantastic opportunity to have a romantic boat ride with spectacular view of Boston. For $1.70 you can relax with your loved one and confess sweet nothings. The ride is about 15 minutes long, so this is a great way to start or end your adventure.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum located on the Fenway is romanticism at it’s finest. Wander the museum’s inner courtyard together as you discover the beauty around you as well as the beauty of the person your with. Every inch of the Museum has been choreographed to reflect the passion of Isabella Stewart Gardner. The café and gift shop are closed until January of 2012, but you will be sure to find many local cafés in the area.

Fine Dining evokes all of the senses and somehow sets the mood for romance: Boston has some of the world’s best culinary artists right here in our city. Many support ingredients from local sources, and refreshing their menu seasonally, ensuring a new adventure at every visit. Our internet pic to find the place to suit the moment.. urbanspoon.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright (1856-1950)

Photo Credits: provided by Bostonian Jewelers clients with permission.

You be the judge...

2011-02-07T16:36:00.001-05:00

Thank You's from our Customers

Word of mouth, yelp, friend of a friends recommendation, blogger, celebrity endorsements, gossip, websites, newspapers, facebook, twitter and so many more ways to get a recommendation or review . These can all become incredibly confusing when you're looking for a reputable jeweler. Most of the time friend recommendations and yelp are the most honest; there's no money involved, a friend truly cares and when there's a screen between you and the owner, the opinions tend to be more honest.

Over the years we've relied on multiple ways of review to help keep our reputation going in a positive direction. Repuation is one of the hardest "businesses" to maintain. Since Yelp, City Search and other websites were introduced we have maintained our reputation and client satisfaction in a direct way that our thank you notes or cards could never be translated.

Each new review tells a story or something unique that we may have never known about each client. Here is an example: "Let me take some time to express how grateful we are for the amazing work you did on the ring. It is hard to convey how very pleased we are with the way the restoration came out. The ring is truly exquisite. To say you brought the ring back to it's original glory would be an understatement. You have given us an heirloom our family can truly cherish and be proud of."

Bostonian spends the time and we truely care that you get the best quality, product and experience. We're here to answer your questions, help with your concerns and design ideas for your jewelry. Our reviews are taken to heart and we value the comments so much. So keep commenting, reading our reviews, talking to your friends and we hope to see you soon.

If you would like to read more reviews visit our testimonials page on our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

Fakes are not in Fashion...

2011-02-03T14:04:00.002-05:00

I was recently reading a Harpers Bazaar article about “fakes” and how they are not in fashion. While many associate this magazine with the styles of the rich and famous, their passion against "knock offs" goes far beyond that. They are truly interested in stopping child labor, unsafe work conditions, health hazards and unsanitary regulations. This article peaked in interest to review the policies of the Jewelry Industry.

In the mid 90’s the UN collaborated to curb unsafe working conditions and the exportation of conflict diamonds. As a measure to bar smuggled conflict diamonds, the nations agreed to establish minimum acceptable international standards for certification of rough diamonds, which is now named the Kimberly Process. Specifically in the US jewelers abide by the Clean Diamond Trade Act, which broadens the definition of conflict diamonds to include diamonds traded by terrorists and those who use the diamond trade to fund human rights abuses against unarmed citizens.

Contrary to popular belief these policies don’t just protect Africa but they are extended to Russia, Canada, Australia and India. Diamonds are not the only stone that are protected; gemstones from all countries have guidelines and specific rules. From rubies to marble, copper to zircon all imports and exports are regulated for the safety of the workers and to prevent these commodities from becoming a tool of currency for abusers and terrorists.

Here at Bostonian Jewelers we abide by the Kimberly Process as well as the other less publicized guidelines in regards to rubies, emeralds and any other restricted gemstones. We require all of our suppliers to provide an official written warranty that their diamonds come from Kimberly-certified sources and thus are not involved in funding conflicts. Diamonds are meant to be a gift of love and a token of celebration for you an your loved one.

While the jewelry industry has enforced guidelines about diamonds and mining, the fashion industry is unfortunately struggling in getting a similar result. The Kimberly Process is a well known regulation and we can only hope the the fashion industry can soon get the results they are petitioning for. If you would like to view our diamonds or would like more information about the Kimberly Process please go to www.diamondfacts.org or visit our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

Super Bowl Bling...I mean Ring!

2011-02-01T12:40:00.002-05:00

With the Super Bowl just around the corner I thought it'd be fun to talk about how jewelers are involved in the game!

We design those coveted rings; we as in jewelers collectively, not we the company. That honor goes to a list of 6 or 7 jewelers that bid each year on a design contract of 150 customized Super Bowl rings, bragging rights and great publicity. The NFL cap's the spending at $5,000 per ring, which means that the jewelers will have to absorb the cost for anything over that $5,000. On the opposite end the company who is awarded the contract also creates the losing team rings. According to NFL policy the losing team ring is only allowed to cost half of the winning team's ring. A company called Jostens tops the list of ring designers with a total of 26 Super Bowl Rings. They were also the first company to design a ring for Super Bowl I champs, the Green Bay Packers.

The rings over the years have evolved from humble to humngeous! The first Super Bowl ring was designed out of yellow gold and a single round diamond. Today they're "blinged" out and covered in diamonds, intricate pave and multiple color gemstones. The most expensive Super Bowl ring ever was the Patriots 2005 Super Bowl ring. It boasts 124 diamonds, 3 of which are shaped like footballs and a total weight of 4.94 carats. It's made out of 14k white gold and has intricate diamond pave wording and small side sapphires on the ring.

This years ring's have yet to be released but in the spirit of the Super Bowl...I predict Color Diamonds, 14K yellow gold and quite the big ring size! So while some of you watch the game for the sportsmanship, some for the company or food, and still others for the commercials; we'll be waiting for the next day when the designs are released and our predictions are right!

If you have any design questions, ideas or are looking for customized jewelery please visit our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

Style Watch...

2011-01-31T12:04:00.001-05:00

Trends have been predicted, the fashion gods have spoken and Color Gemstones, Enamel pieces and Color metal are what’s predicted to be hot! Saturation is the name of the game, bold gemstone colors such as fuchsia, turquoise and burnt orange are popular. High karat yellow gold, rose gold and blacken silver are appearing on runways and store fronts everywhere. Enamel bangles and pendants are becoming a great way to add an opaque pop of color to any neutral outfit.

Some of the these top trends are reminiscent of the early 1970’s. If vintage pieces peak you interest, we carry a few restored pieces in our showroom or we can repair any of your own. Currently we have a beautiful pear shaped light emerald ring, a fantastic high carat yellow gold “Belt” bracelet and a few other vintage pieces floating around.

Bridal is an investment so as a rule, trends are less likely to fluctuate as drastically, as they do in fashion. Yet we've recently viewed more trendy designs and accents in rose and yellow color golds. Color center stones are also becoming very popular as we see celebrities using sapphires, rubies and color diamonds as engagement rings now. We recently finished a two-toned intense fancy yellow diamond, which was a beautifully melded concept of multiple designs. At Bostonian we customize all of our pieces to your specific taste so no matter what the stone, metal or design is we are able to create a unique and spectacular look for you.

If you have any questions in regards to jewelry trends, repairs or in general please feel free to contact us on our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

Cleaning up with Bostonian

2011-01-25T12:28:00.003-05:00

A few helpful hints to keep your jewelry clean and sparkling…

One of the first rules would be to stay away from Bleach. Bleach is one of the harshest chemicals for jewelry; it can cause your jewelry to weaken and breakdown. Do not soak in diluted ammonia or toothpaste as these both can cause damage to the stone and a weakening of the setting. Take proper care by removing the piece when you plan on swimming, entering a hot tub or cleaning.

Speaking of cleaning, to care for your jewelry gently wipe off excess make-up and skin oils after each wearing. Use a nub free, 100% cotton cloth and gently wipe the piece clean using only the soft pads of your fingers. If you’d like your gemstones to shine a bit more, create a solution of warm water and mild dish detergent and gently soak your jewelry for a few hours. Rinse under warm water and make sure you rinse out the back of the stones and in between the prongs of a setting. Do not do this if your jewellery is strung on silk or cotton as these will stretch (pearls, strands of beads etc.). If you have time bring your jewelry down to Bostonian, we will clean your jewelry for free, as well as check your stones, settings and clasp to make sure that your gemstones are safely set.

If your stones feel loose or if one falls out, please don’t try an at home repair. Some websites boast of a quick fix using tweezers or pliers, we recommend to put the piece in a Jewelers Bag, the box it came in or even a plastic bag until the time in which you can get to your Jeweler. Remember: A small repair job costs less than a replacement!

Cleaning your jewelry is an important part of keeping the value and the integrity of a piece intact. With out proper cleaning and maintenance your jewelry can become dull and lackluster which is never the original design. Hopefully these hints were helpful and each week we’ll be posting more but if you have any questions please feel free to contact us on our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com .

Design this Space!

2011-01-24T13:09:00.007-05:00

You hear the studies regarding the number of hours at home vs. the office; the cubical dread of Monday mornings is “facebook’d” about far and wide; and your ability to create an entire meal out of vending machine fare is more than an impressive party trick, it’s a survival skill. Here at Bostonian we understand the long hours, the vending machine skill we tip our hats to but we’ve taken a different approach to the cubical. We recently designed our space to combat that business feel and have created a comfortable balance between work and play.

The newly redesigned space has a feeling of contemporary warmth mixed with a peaceful atmosphere. From what I’ve heard around the shop the old space was a bit more, how should I say this kindly…drab. It was a space that was neither inviting nor easily maneuverable. When the decision to renovate commenced there were so many overwhelming choices, from paint colors, to cabinets, to security, that an Architect firm by the name of Studio Troika was called in to help streamline the process.

The outcome was a beautiful balance of form and function. Sleek floors, Custom double-side display cabinets, recessed lighting and a design studio have all been implemented. In the design studio, a seating area is provided with a comfortable couch for those longer, more in depth design sessions. While in the main space high top tables and ample seating are available if there are more than two viewing.

As an observer, I have come up with a theory about this newly redesigned space. When a jewelry store feels like an extension of your home, customers don’t mind visiting it more than once. It seems that here most customers love to visit a lot and have their mothers visit and their sisters visit and their friends visit and…well you understand the point.

SO come combat that cubical dread with a relaxing visit to our new design space, view our portfolio’s and lets talk over a glass of chardonnay about what you’d like to create. If you have a sister, mother, friend or the like, bring them along and enjoy what Bostonian and the staff has to offer.

For more pictures or to find directions please visit our website at www.BostonianJewelers.com

Garnet-January's Birthstone!

2011-01-20T15:18:00.003-05:00

Most people assume that Red is the only color this January Birthstone can come in BUT this gemstones occurs in shades of green, red, yellow and orange (blue is not naturally found). While red is the most recognizable of January's Garnet Birthstone, any of these varieties are acceptable to wear or give as a representation for January.

Famous Garnets? Noah was said to have a garnet lantern to guide him during the biblical flood. At the auction of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis at Sotheby's on April 24, 1996, a striking cabochon garnet flower brooch from the 19th century was sold for $145,000. In the same year a university student unearthed in central Australia what is believed to be the largest single garnet find ever. This giant rough is thought to weight thousands of tons and measures nearly a hundred feet across.

History? Garnets have been used for thousands of years. These gems are found in jewelry from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras. Many courageous discoverers and travelers wore Garnets for protection and to illuminate the night, as they were considered popular talismans and protective stones.

These stones are vivid in color with a rich history that allows them to be used in virtually every piece you can imagine. Large or small, multiple or solitaire these stones are available in every price range for customers and collectors alike. Garnets are a fantastic alternative for when you are looking for a color stone rather that a specific stone type in your personal designs.

Stop by Bostonian Jewelers to see what we can create for your January piece or visit our website to learn more about what we offer. www.bostonianjewelers.com

Photo Credits: Loose Garnet Gemstones www.birthstone.biz, Restored Antique Ring: before and after, all design/repair was done at our Bostonian Jewelers Studio.

Bostonian in the Press!

2011-01-17T11:50:00.002-05:00

The history of Bostonian and the passion that is still alive today is beautifully described by Jennifer Heebner in JCK Magazine. The article focused on family run and custom designed jewelry houses; below is a portion that highlights Bostonian Jewelers.

“Thirty years ago, Hagop Matossian opened Hagop Settings, a jewelry repair shop, in Boston. His specialty was creating one-of-a-kind pieces, including diamond engagement ring mountings to accommodate oversize center stones, for stores that didn’t have in-house design capabilities. But nine years ago, two major events drastically shifted the course of the business. First, Matossian’s wife and now creative director, Alexandria, joined Hagop and his brother Barkev in the shop, abandoning her own one-woman custom business on the lower level of the same complex, and brought with her an unstoppable drive to take on more challenging custom jobs. Also, Hagop’s father, a longtime goldsmith who owned his own retail store, imparted some advice his sons couldn’t ignore. “He said, ‘You’re getting older, and you won’t be able to work with your hands your whole life, so open a retail store,’ Matossian recalls. Armed with his wife’s enthusiasm and his father’s wisdom, Hagop opened Bostonian Jewelers as a retail store, while Barkev continued to run Hagop Settings to accommodate the volume of wholesale repair jobs they’d developed. On the retail side, aiming to expand their restoration work, Hagop and Alexandria (ahead of their time in 1999) checked out the capabilities of a CAD/CAM. They instantly knew the technology could revolutionize the manufacturing of jewelry. Still, notes Alexandria, Hagop didn’t immediately take the bait. “I pestered him for three years to buy Matrix,” she says. Once the purchase was made, the payoff was immediate. Handmade jewelry models in platinum were no longer necessary since digital models were stored in Matrix. That move alone freed up thousands of dollars, eliminating dozens of platinum models that sat in a safe for future use. Also gone were the stacks of stinky, wet silicone rubber molds, waiting “in limbo” to be employed to make more models. The technology also broke the rules for jewelry fabrication, streamlining efficiency and profitability. For instance, when making a ring that will weigh 12 grams of metal, jewelers must start with double the material to account for shaping, fabrication, and waste; the latter is now eliminated, thanks to CAD/CAM design. “With rapid prototype casting, you can go from print to wax with no waste,” says Hagop. And Alexandria is making more than just diamond engagement rings. Business in bridal necklaces, cuff-links, and similar items has risen drastically since the changeover. “I am a lot busier,” she says. For example, she made a pair of 18k gold cufflinks with green quartz as a birthday present from a woman to her fiancé. Alexandria recalls another commission fondly because of the customer’s instructions: There were none. “He told me to make anything I wanted,” she remembers. His only stipulation was to consider one aspect of the female recipient: She worked with her hands. The end piece was a five-gram platinum band featuring vine motifs and a half-carat, bezel-set diamond center stone provided by the client. With business brisk, Bostonian Jewelers got a facelift last year. Stainless steel and glass accents now give the store a contemporary look. “It’s yummy,” enthuses Alexandria. All jobs are completed onsite in the 2,000-square-foot space, which is a 60–40 split between showroom and workshop. Bostonian’s custom capabilities are so stream\lined, efficient, and profitable that the company even makes its own wedding bands—plain metal ones that most shops tend to order. “In 10 minutes, we can make a simple band in CAD/CAM for 30 percent less than the cost of ordering one from a vendor,” says Hagop. Other benefits? Cherry-picking custom components across a variety of jobs, clean casts (no investment mess), and no torching necessary. “This is the difference between the old school and the new,” says Alexandria. “You can really push the envelope of design."

We are very proud to be featured in such an amazing publication. To view the full article please go to : http://www.jckonline.com/2010/05/25/you-ve-got-it-made

Summer Collection 2009

2009-07-21T19:42:00.004-04:00

Above is a preview of our Summer 2009 Collection. If you like any of our designs or would like to invest in designing one of your own pieces please come and visit our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

Art Deco Platinum Ring Restoration

2008-03-29T13:35:00.005-04:00

Art Deco restoration project. Above is a video of the before and after from a three stone ring that was sent to Bostonian Jewelers to restore. As you can see, the restoration project was a success and the client was overwhelmed with the result!

If you have anything that is in need of repair please visit our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com to view more examples.

Bostonian Jewelers - Antique Restorations

2008-03-08T12:05:00.002-05:00

Above is a slideshow of a few of our previous restorations. If you have a question about repairing or restoring one of your own antiques please visit our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

New Designs

2008-03-08T11:16:00.001-05:00

Above is a small slide show to show you some of the custom designs available. All of these designs can be set with our expert selected gemstones or with your personal collection. These photographs can also be used as inspiration for your next piece. All designs can be mixed and matched or altered to fit your personal style and taste.

Please visit our website to view more unique and custom designs at www.bostonianjewelers.com