Studio Vincent

2010-11-12T17:38:00.000-06:00

2010-09-09T19:38:00.003-05:00

Arizona Native Artist ERIK STEWART will be in the Studio tomorrow September 10th 2010 from 12noon to 9pm.
He will be exhibiting his " ART OF THE BODY " collection.

2010-09-03T17:18:00.002-05:00

Custom Platinum Signature ring with a Emerald cut Blue Sapphire.
Designed and Hand forged by Steve Vincent.

2010-09-03T16:50:00.002-05:00

SAPPHIRES

The gem of fascination with over 40 different shades of color and second only to Diamonds in hardness is the birthstone for September and the second most popular gemstone for engagement rings. The deep blue tone in Sapphire's has a calming influence and it is a symbol for trust and loyalty. Whether you are looking for a engagement or cocktail ring we at Studio Vincent Designs can create for you a breathtaking Sapphire ring.

2010-08-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

Visit Studio Vincent Scottsdale as we are having a storewide Sale on all in-stock items.
Contact us or drop by the Studio for information on special pricing on selected items.
The Sale will be running till November 1st 2010. We look forward to seeing you in the Studio.

2010-08-18T18:45:00.003-05:00

Sv Scottsdale clients Chris and Laura selected a Niessing Engagement ring and Sv custom wedding rings personally designed and uniquely crafted for them. Thank you both for the beautiful pictures.

2010-08-14T16:22:00.004-05:00

PALLADIUM

The hottest Silver white metal to hit the Jewelry Industry. Originating from the Platinum group it is extremely ductile and takes ready to working. Being 95% pure metal, hypo allergenic and less expensive than other precious metals has made Palladium Jewelry very desirable. Drop by our Studio in Scottsdale to view the wide selection of hand forged and uniquely designed Palladium engagement, commitment and wedding rings. We also have a fine selection of pendants, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. So come on by the studio and treat yourself or a loved one.

2010-08-04T20:56:00.002-05:00

Studio Vincent Scottsdale is proud to showcase Etienne Perret's Ceramic Rings and Bangle Bracelets collection.
Available in Black, White, Gray, Blue, Pink and Chocolate. Come in to the Studio and treat yourself or a loved one to unique and beautiful piece of jewelry.

2010-07-15T16:29:00.002-05:00

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT.

Studio Vincent Scottsdale is proud to host for one night only renowned Arizona Native and Contemporary Artist " Erik Stewart"
He will be exhibiting his " ARTS FOR THE BODY " Collection.

Friday September 10th 2010 from 2pm to 9pm
Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 2136, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Tel: 480-429-4595

Come in to the Studio and meet the designer himself and treat yourself or a loved one to the NEXT GENERATION in contemporary design.

Please contact us if you have any questions or request. We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you and best wishes,

Studio Vincent Designs.

An sV Wedding!

2010-05-21T16:00:00.005-05:00

At Studio Vincent we get to be a part of many people's special day, but tomorrow it is a special day for Studio Vincent! Stephen Vincent, our owner and master goldsmith and his finance, Catherine, will get married tomorrow May 22nd. What does a man who can make anything give to his special lady? A Signature Ring of course! Check out Catherine's amazing ring that Stephen forged and created especially for her. sV Signature in platinum 950 with center natural chocholate colored cushion cut diamond with diamond accents. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Look what we can do!

2010-03-31T13:50:00.002-05:00

The leaning tower of Sparkle!

For all our Minneapolis patrons, call or email to set up your private appointment with Stephen or Britta to design your own custom designed engagement ring, pendant or earrings. Come see us at our workshop where all the magic happens!

If you live in the warmer Scottsdale area, Boris and his team look forward to showing you Stephen Vincent's custom jewelry collection along with other top European and American designers. Stop in to the Scottsdale Fashion Square today!

Hot off the Press!

2010-03-30T09:24:00.003-05:00

One of our most recent custom designs from our Ribbon series. The only thing more beautiful than this ring is it on the lucky lady's finger! Handmade sV Ribbon engagement ring created in 18 karat red gold with a cushion cut diamond set in a platinum 950 bezel.

More News!

2010-03-20T23:30:00.001-05:00

Studio Vincent Scottsdale Inc., continues to offer their complete collection and Stephen Vincent's custom jewelry designs. Boris and his team look forward to welcoming you.
Studio Vincent Scottsdale, Inc. is located in Fashion Square Scottsdale.

p:480.429.4595
e:scottsdale@svstudio.com
Visit their blog at www.studiovincent.blogspot.com

News!

2010-03-19T17:39:00.004-05:00

After 18 years in Gaviidae Common, S. Vincent is closing it's store on Sunday March 22nd. For service and custom designs please call Britta or Stephen Vincent at our workshop in the warehouse district. To schedule an appointment call us at 612-332-3646. Come and visit us soon!

The world of sapphire

2010-03-10T16:17:00.004-06:00

Please enjoy the following post about sapphires, written by our fellow Scottsdale employee, Thahir Farook!

Best known for its famous blue hue, sapphires come in 40 different individual colors. The sapphire is second only to diamonds with regards to hardness, coming in at number 9 on the mohs’ hardness scale. This makes the sapphire an ideal setting stone.

Blue sapphire is the most familiar amongst all the sapphires with color tones ranging from the very light sky blue to the most desirable cornflower blue and everything in between. Most people don’t realize that sapphires come in every color in the rainbow. The most rare color is the Padparajah sapphire or what I like to call the King of Sapphires. It is named after the lotus plant because of its very unique blend of pink and orange color tones. Imagine a color of a beautiful sunset and then picture it in a ring. Truly, a gem in its own class.

Sapphires are found in several parts of the world including right here in Montana, USA. Montana mines produce a variety of colored sapphires but the blue/green sapphire is the most common of color tones. Unfortunately, it is hard to find large sizes, as the rough doesn’t yield gem quality material.

The continent of Africa is a hot zone for gems. Some of the most diverse colors, sizes and qualities of sapphire we are seeing in today’s market primarily come from Madagascar, Tanzania and Kenya just to name a few.

One of the most pleasing sights is to see a fine selection of Cabochon Sapphires in vivid colors. They look like gum drops, you just want to eat them up!

I love all colored gemstones but to me sapphires will always be near and dear especially coming from a country that produces sapphires and family that for over generations has always dealt in sapphires.

Is your jewelry insured?

2010-03-04T11:55:00.004-06:00

Hello friends.

Are you all enjoying this lovely spring weather? I know that I am. Perfect temperatures and sunny days make selling jewelry even more enjoyable!

Today I would like to talk with you a little bit about a subject with which some of you may be familiar, and some not so familiar. I'd like to share a little bit of information on jewelry insurance.

Here at Studio Vincent we can't formally recommend any particular company or type of insurance, but we can formally tell you how important it is that you do get your jewelry covered under some sort of policy.

There are several different ways to get your jewelry insured, but here are important things to know and ask your agent:

1. Is my jewelry covered under my homeowners or renters insurance or do I need to purchase a separate policy?
-This is an important question to ask. For instance, I have renters insurance, but my policy only covers up to $1,000 for jewelry purchases. My jewelry is worth more than that, so I needed additional coverage.

2. What is my deductible on my policy if my jewelry is lost or stolen?

3. Will I get money for purchase price or replacement value?
-Keep in touch with Studio Vincent and let us know when you would like an updated appraisal. If possible, you should update your appraisal every few years and get a policy that allows you full replacement value.

4. How do I receive payment if I need to file a claim for lost/broken/stolen jewelry?
-This is probably one of the most important things to know. Sometimes insurance companies work with specific jewelers to replace items. Make sure you get a policy that allows you to have a check cut either: a) directly to you or, b) to the jeweler of your choice. Remember that Studio Vincent jewelry needs to be repaired or re-created by us, not a generic jeweler!

Hopefully you and your jewelry will live together happily ever after, but unfortunately things do happen sometimes, and it's important to protect your treasures! Please feel free to ask your Studio Vincent design consultant if you have any additional questions.

Check this out!

2010-02-25T12:14:00.003-06:00

Wow, when Thahir of Studio Vincent, Scottsdale sent this photo to me, my first reaction was to think, "this ring is smokin' hot!"

Only Stephen Vincent can mix color and form so perfectly. Notice how the warm yellow gold is perfectly juxtaposed against the cold platinum and how the bezel color picks up the grace of the yellow diamond and makes it shine even brighter.

Any lady would be seriously lucky to wear this creation...has it inspired you to come in and get a ring of your own? Right hand, left hand, either thumb...let's work together to design a "smokin' hot" ring just for you.

Meet the Staff!

2010-02-19T15:12:00.003-06:00

Thahir Farook: Design Consultant

A big welcome to the newest member of the staff at Studio Vincent, Scottsdale, Thahir Farook! A native of Sri Lanka, Thahir has lived in Hong Kong, Japan, Southeast Asia and the US, just to name a few locations. He comes from a family of gem traders, and, luckily for us, Thahir followed in his father's footsteps when it came to a career choice. Aside from experience with gem sales, trade shows and retail, Thahir is also GIA certified, making him an invaluable part of the Studio Vincent team. He has an extensive knowledge of jewelry manufacturing and colored gemstones and his passion for small, beautiful, sparkly things is palpable.

In his spare time, Thahir takes his two little boys to the park and read stories to them.

Winds of Change

2010-02-04T11:21:00.002-06:00

The upside of having such wonderful, talented people working at Studio Vincent is that it's a fabulous place to work. The downside is that those people are SO wonderful and talented that sometimes they come upon opportunities that they must follow and they move on from our little gallery.

This week brings a mix of happy and sad as we wish congratulations and farewell to two of our beloved employees.

Emily Johnson has been the gallery director at Studio Vincent since mid-2007 and has cultivated solid relationships with many of her clients...maybe even you! She has been a great leader and an important part of the sales team. As you may know, Emily owns her own design company, EC Design, and you can purchase her jewelry here at Studio Vincent. After countless hours in her studio making beautiful jewelry with her signature "subtle, but edgy" look, Emily's company has grown to the point where she will be working for herself full time. All of us at Studio Vincent are sad to see her go, but wish her the best, for we know that she has great things ahead of her.

Susan Frerichs is a name that may not be as familiar to you, faithful blog reader, but turst me when I say that without Susan, many of you would not have the beautiful jewelry you have today! Susan has been one of Studio Vincent's most excellent goldsmiths for the past several years. She is precise and quick, and helps run the workshop efficiently. Susan also makes her own jewelry under the tag Susan Elnora and draws inspiration from flora and fauna. In the spirit of re-discovering inspiration, Susan will be leaving Studio Vincent for a southern move, to New Mexico. Perhaps we can look forward to rattle-snake jewelry if and when she returns to Minnesota.

Studio Vincent would not be the company it is today without the hard work, dedication and smiling faces that Emily and Susan have brought with them every day. We will miss them dearly, but wish them nothing but the best in their big new adventures.

Heat Wave!

2010-01-15T14:04:00.003-06:00

It is practically flip-flop weather here in good old Minneapolis, and Minnesotans are using this heat wave as an opportunity to leave their caves and enjoy the weather! It might not be super sunny, but you can't complain when the temperatures are in the 30s in mid-January.

After a great holiday season we are all refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to sell more jewelry!

Here are 5 FABULOUS reasons to stop by Studio Vincent while you're out and about:

1. Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Sure, it's a holiday invented by Hallmark, but since they took the trouble to invent it, why not have a little sparkle waiting for your sweetie when they wake up on February 14th.

2. Studio Vincent's new Muse collection is, dare we say, mega fabulous. Stephen re-invented the wheel yet again with a bold new stainless steel collection featuring bright topaz and sparkly cubic zirconia.

3. We have a new selection of MOL necklaces by Claudia Geiger. Stretchy and comfortable, these necklaces are sexier than your pj's, but just as wearable.

4. Gaviidae has a new confections store opening across the hall from Studio Vincent on February 1st: Cocoa and Fig. The very nice owners dropped off some cupcakes at Studio Vincent earlier this week and trust us when we say that you MUST try one of their mouth-watering creations next time you're here. Diamonds and chocolate. Hmmm. That seems like a no-brainer for us.

5. You need to refresh your jewelry collection! 2010 is going to be bigger, better and more exciting than 2009. Let us help you find the perfect piece to represent the attitude you have towards this new year.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:03:00.002-06:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support this year. We have the best clients EVER and we are so grateful to not only be open during this strange economic climate, but to be going strong! We are just wrapping up the last day of our holiday season and it was fantastic.

We hope that 2010 brings you joy, health and some new Studio Vincent jewelry.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Loving this ring today!

2009-12-26T13:12:00.001-06:00

Soho series from the Muse collection, designed and created by Studio Vincent.

Facebook and Blog fan appreciation sale!

2009-12-18T13:03:00.001-06:00

Come one, come all ye faithful social media followers! Studio Vincent is having a special,unadvertised sale right now and all of our in-stock jewelry is 20-50% off. Can you even believe the savings?!

The sale starts Friday morning, December 18th. Come in and shop til you drop!

3 reasons why you should shop at Studio Vincent this holiday season

2009-12-03T15:04:00.004-06:00

As we all know, the economy is down, so getting the most value on your purchases is more important than ever. Why shop at Studio Vincent?

We're so glad you asked. We could list a thousand reasons why we think you should spend your money with us, but here are our favorites, and the ones we consider most important.

1. Design. If you are looking for a cathedral setting, a 4 or 6 prong mounting or a perfectly matched bridal set you might want to shop elsewhere. There are lots of stores that make that kind of jewelry, and they do it well. What they don't do is continually push the envelope when it comes to design. Studio Vincent owner and master goldsmith Stephen Vincent constantly strives to make his designs better and more interesting. Full bezels, floating diamonds, big fat wide bands, precious metal fused to industrial steel; these are just a few of the things you can expect when you come into our store. Our rings, necklaces and earrings have a WOW factor. People will look at your jewelry and know that it came from Studio Vincent. You can also feel good knowing that Studio Vincent uses only conflict free diamonds and metals that come from a green refinery.

In addition to our in-house designs, we have collections from everywhere from Minneapolis to Austria to France that you'll have a hard time finding anywhere else. We take great pride in creating jewelry that reflects our creative and intelligent client base and we know you recognize and appreciate that.

2. Customer service. The internet is a magical place where you can buy anything these days. From bed knobs to broom sticks, internet commerce is booming. We know that you can buy jewelry and even diamonds online, but here is why you should buy from us. Not only will you be greeted with friendly, smiling faces when you come to our store, you will also get excellent response to phone and email every single time. Our design consultants have extensive knowledge of the jewelry we carry and we will take all the time you need to sit down with you and educate you about your purchase. We are happy to bring diamonds into the gallery so that you can look at the gems before you buy because we realize that jewelry is an investment and we want you to feel comfortable. A no-commission environment ensures that you won't feel pressured and that you will be able to connect with the sales associate who is helping you.

3. Value. Studio Vincent specializes in the best of the best. We use 18 karat golds and platinum to showcase our award winning designs. Our diamonds are whiter, clearer and more sparkly than other diamonds you'll see this holiday season. What does this mean for you? It means a higher price tag than you're used to seeing at mall jewelry stores. But remember, when you compare us to mall jewelry stores you're not comparing apples to apples. If you ask the mall jewelers to show you the same caliber of diamonds that we show on a daily basis you will find that our prices are extremely competitive, and often are even better than other stores. You pay a premium for luxury cars, designer clothes and beautiful furniture, so why shouldn't your jewelry be held to the same standard? We believe at Studio Vincent that you get what you pay for, and when you shop here, you're getting nothing but the best.

Please come support Studio Vincent this holiday season. We can offer you the best design, the best service and the best value. As Aldo Gucci is famous for saying, "The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory."

December babies, we've got the gift for you

2009-11-27T19:34:00.003-06:00

December is just around the corner, and here at Studio Vincent we want to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping. Know anyone with a December birthday? We can help!

Perfect dark or fair complexions, December's blue topaz birthstone is beautiful on everyone. Topaz is part of the silicate family of minerals, and the blue color is a product of the pure topaz being exposed to heat, whether it's natural heat or a lab process. Either way, the cooling color of this gorgeous gemstone has been associated with all sorts of healing properties, including: calming down those with hot tempers and helping those with asthma, weak vision and insomnia. We won't claim to have seen the blue topaz work it's magic just yet, but it certainly has the power to brighten your day and your wardrobe!

Austrian designer Humphrey has a gorgeous collection of blue topaz jewelry and we are proud to have it right here at Studio Vincent. Come on down and choose from classic pendants, contemporary rings and architectural earrings. We guarantee that it will put a smile on your loved one's face.

Happy Birthday November Babies!

2009-11-13T12:28:00.002-06:00

We're half-way through November already...can you believe it?!

Here at Studio Vincent we are looking forward to our upcoming gem show, the holiday season and, of course, the New Year!

Lest we get ahead of ourselves, let's stop and take a moment to learn a little bit about November's birthstone: the lovely citrine.

Citrine is a deliciously juicy gem, and a fairly rare specimen of the quartz family. It can occur in nature in a wide spectrum that ranges from pale yellow to rich orange.

Citrine has a hardness of 7, according to the Moh's scale, which means it's great for necklaces and earrings, and strong enough to wear occasionally in fashion rings.

We recently got in a shipment of citrine jewelry from our Austrian designer, Humphrey, so if you have a November baby on your holiday list, stop by before it's all swooped up!

Studio Vincent's holiday party is coming and YOU'RE invited!

2009-11-07T14:01:00.002-06:00

Opals and topaz and beryl, oh my!

That's right loyal Studio Vincent fans, it's time for the SV holiday event! This year we're switching things up a little and having the party at the gallery, which means you can try on ALL of our fabulous jewels while you rub elbows with fellow SV lovers.

Join us on Thursday, November 19th from 5:00-8:00 pm and enjoy appetizers and drinks while learning about all of the beautiful loose gems we have for sale. On Saturday, November 21st you can meet with our very own Stephen Vincent and our much beloved opal vendor, Dennis Dahl. Dennis will have his entire, breath-taking collection of opals with him, and even if you're not in shopping mode, you must stop by to see what he has. If you are in shopping mode, this is the perfect opportunity to hand-pick an opal or other loose gem and have Stephen work with you to design the perfect jewelry for the upcoming holiday season.

In addition to all of above-mentioned fun, as an added bonus we are offering 15% off all loose gems and in-stock jewelry pieces. Seriously, this is not the weekend to stay home. Put on your fancy hat and coat and make your way over to Studio Vincent November 19-21st for the gala of the season.

Staff Favorites: Boris

2009-09-28T13:11:00.007-05:00

Boris names the Studio Vincent Muse Collection and the Niessing Collection as his top two picks for our staff favorites blog post this week. After working with both designers, it's no surprise that he is fond of each body of work. He likes that each collection offers choices for engagement, commitment, wedding and fashion jewelry and that the designs offer many metal choices and designs with or without diamonds.

A particular favorite from the Muse series is the Barcelona ring with Damascus steel and an 18k red gold liner. Boris loves how impressive the Barcelona ring is, even when the Damascus steel is switched out for the understated pure stainless steel and fine silver takes the place of the red gold.

Boris would recommend Muse or Niessing to couples and individuals looking for jewelry that reflects distinctive taste and individuality. Whether you like the drama of big, sparkly diamonds or the subtlety of tone on tone metal, visit Studio Vincent Scottsdale or Studio Vincent Minneapolis to find something you love.

Meet the staff!

2009-09-21T12:58:00.006-05:00

Boris M. W. Kastner: Gallery Director, President

After more than 25 years in the jewelry world, Studio Vincent is thrilled to have Boris back in the family. With experience at jewelry stores in Minnesota, Arizona, California and Germany Boris has worked with and for some of the best designers in the world. He spent 10 years working for Stephen at the Minneapolis location of Studio Vincent and in May of 2008, Boris moved to Phoenix to start working on the opening of Studio Vincent Scottsdale. He loves jewelry and design and makes each customer feel as though they are the most important client in the gallery.

Boris works at Studio Vincent Scottsdale seven days a week, but in his free time he is interested in digital photography and learning the ins and outs of Photoshop.

Eliza Balanica: Design Consultant

Born in Romania, Eliza has been studying art since high school, where she discovered that she loved to paint. Her love for art has since extended to jewelry and she has been with Studio Vincent Scottsdale since it opened over a year ago. Working in the restaurant industry taught her the importance of customer satisfaction and she brings that experience to the table when working with her clients at the gallery.

Working at Studio Vincent has awakened Eliza's passion for art, aesthetics and jewelry design and it gives her satisfaction to be around people in the happiest and most significant time in their lives.

Rose Gutierrez: Design Consultant

A Scottsdale native, Rose works part-time for the Studio Vincent team in Scottsdale Arizona. She has seven years of experience in the jewelry industry as well as three years of experience in interior design. She has an eye for detail and uses her background to help customers create the perfect piece of jewelry.

Rose has lived in Spain and has a passion for beautiful and unique jewelry.

Alternatives!

2009-09-15T13:30:00.002-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, may we present to you: Alternative Wedding and Commitment Rings!

Whether you are about to get engaged or you're preparing for a totally awesome commitment ceremony, the design consultants at Studio Vincent are excited to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

We definitely have a great selection of diamond rings here at the gallery, but if you're not a fan of the big sparkly, that's just fine. Not only can we show you a huge selection of bands and rings in cool metals and unusual textures, but we are happy to sit down with you to design something special. The rings pictured below were created by Emily Johnson of EC Designs. These clients wanted something unique, and while they liked the idea of the solitaire, they opted for a big square of red gold with a tiny diamond in place of a larger gem.

The "solitaire" ring was created out of 14k and 18k red gold with a hammered texture and a tiny champagne diamond, and the wedding band underneath is hammered 18k grey gold. The other wedding band was also made from 18k grey gold with a 14k pink cell and a black diamond. This couple worked with Emily to select stock pieces they liked and then designed their rings with their own twist. They chose precious metals over sterling silver to ensure longevity of the rings and they were thrilled with the finished product!

This set is a perfect example of how easy it is to design alternative wedding and commitment rings. If you like the idea of a one of a kind set, scurry down here today to talk to a design consultant.

Diamonds on a Stick!

2009-09-04T14:47:00.008-05:00

It is State Fair time in Minnesota and we all know what that means: pickles on a stick, bacon on a stick, pork chops on a stick, but best of all... Diamonds on a stick! We have something you won't find at the Great Minnesota Get-Together and it's waiting for you to try it on. Find all the possibilities of this delicious design. "On a stick" never looked so good. (Take that chocolate covered bacon!)

sV Diamond InLine Series.

Palladium 950 with 33 diamonds equalling 0.50 carats total weight $2,480

18 karat Red Gold with 10 diamonds equalling 0.15 carats total weight $1,080

18 karat Yellow Gold with 5 diamonds equalling 0.08 carats total weight $680

Pricing is subject to change. Please see a design consultant for current market pricing.

Fall into Studio Vincent!

2009-08-28T10:31:00.006-05:00

Fall is coming up quickly and we have the perfect accessories for your new autumn wardrobe!

Pictured from top to bottom:
1. Barbara Heinrich sapphire briolette necklace with 18k gold
2. Studio Vincent 2-prong channel-set ring in 18k gold
3. Chavent iron and 18k gold pin: set of three
4. Niessing performance ring in platinum 950 and 24k gold
5. Zobel cuff bracelet in silver and 24k gold

Summer Sale Ends Soon!

2009-08-21T15:16:00.002-05:00

You've been waiting all season for your favorite Studio Vincent jewelry to go on sale. You've been squirreling away money because you can't wait to purchase that sexy black diamond Claudia Geiger necklace or that silver hammered band by Emily Johnson.

Well, guess what? It's time! The summer sale is going on at Studio Vincent in Gaviidae Common in Minneapolis and you have two days left to come visit us and treat yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry.

All in stock jewelry is 15-50% off, and we'll even give you 15% off un-mounted gems. This sale is way too good to miss, so come on in by 6:00 on Saturday and take advantage of these great deals!

Colored diamonds, cool clients and creativity!

2009-08-13T12:57:00.004-05:00

If you've been following the Studio Vincent blog for the past few months, you've probably read about our love of colored diamonds, stacking rings, and custom designs. I recently had the pleasure of working with an amazing couple to combine all of those elements into a completely awesome wedding set.

Let's call these new clients Rosie and Doc. Two of the most enjoyable people one could hope to work with, they drove over 4 hours to come visit our humble gallery! Rosie had been working with Emily, our gallery director, to get an idea of what sort of engagement ring she liked, and they settled of Stephen's beautiful 'Forma' design. With a wider shank and a sculpted u-bezel, this ring is contemporary, but shows the classic beauty of an asscher-cut diamond.

Upon arriving at the gallery, Rosie and Doc sat down with Megan and me, and the four of us looked at all of the different designs. Rosie still liked the Forma ring best, and we picked out a STUNNING 1.01 carat ESI1 asscher-cut diamond. Seriously...we could not stop looking at this gem.

The easy part over, Rosie then had to choose a wedding band to go with her engagement ring. How could she choose? With so many color and style choices the selection seemed tough...until we pulled out the colored diamonds. I think Rosie might actually have squealed. Megan and I examined each and every diamond and selected the most beautiful ones we could find: green, blue, aqua, pink and white. AMAZING. The design was playful and whimsical, but the diamonds were small enough so that the band was modest enough for Rosie's taste. How could she say no?

Doc selected his Muse Helsinki ring with red gold inlay with almost no trouble, and then we decided to add an element of red gold to Rosie's set...an echo of Doc's ring, if you will.

When the order was placed, I was sad to see Rosie and Doc go, and even sadder to think that I wouldn't get to see the looks on their faces when their new rings were delivered to them, 4 hours away. Our goldsmiths, Stephen and Susan outdid themselves on this order. The rings turned out beautifully and it was such a pleasure to work with these fantastic people.

I hope they enjoy their rings, and, if you like what you see, come visit us at Studio Vincent and we can design something perfect for you!

Old gems, new designs

2009-07-28T14:00:00.005-05:00

For the last several months people have been talking non-stop about the economy. The summer sun seems to have lifted spirits, but we're all still keeping a close eye on our pocketbooks. Caution is a good thing, but don't let your finances keep you from getting new jewelry!

Studio Vincent has always done custom designs, but now, more than ever, people are opting to bring in old diamonds and gems and re-mount them in awesome new designs.

Our clients decide to re-mount gems for all sorts of reasons. Some have jewelry they aren't wearing, some are allergic to the white gold and some just decide they want a new and improved design.

The process of a re-mount is similar to that of a regular custom order. Come in and sit down with us to talk about what direction you hope to take with your new jewelry. Bring your baubles in and show us what exactly you'd like to use and how to use it. All of the girls on the sales floor are design consultants and we are here to help you create the perfect new piece of jewelry.

Our master goldsmith and Studio Vincent owner, Stephen Vincent, can help you visualize your design by making a CAD (computer aided design). Below are some examples of CADs that have been done for clients, using existing gemstones.

The bottom line is that you don't have to let the lagging economy keep you from shining and sparkling this summer. You can take grandma's diamond and set it in a funky new mounting: a perfect blend of sentiment and style.

Summer Sparkle

2009-07-21T13:25:00.003-05:00

Hello friends! It's been too long since our last blog post, but for good reason! Business is great and summer is in full swing at Studio Vincent.

We've had an absolute ball for the past few months designing awesome rings for clients new and old. Lately we've been loving colored diamonds. If you've come into the gallery and worked with me (Louisa) it's likely that I've handed you a bunch of fabulous stacking rings with gorgeous flush-set diamonds. It's incredible how vibrant the colors can get, and, most of the time, the colored diamonds don't cost more than the white ones!

I happen to be a big fan of our own Stephen Vincent's scatter bands: awesome rings of various widths with white or colored gems sprinkled around the band. Choose from platinum, palladium, red gold or yellow gold and get creative! The rings pictured below just came back into the shop as a wedding set we designed with one of our new clients.

Not getting hitched this summer? No worries...this design is perfect as a right hand ring and you'll never find a better excuse to buy diamonds for yourself.

Let's talk a little about diamonds: Color

2009-06-08T11:07:00.008-05:00

Today we'd like to focus on diamond color.

Contrary to what you might believe, diamonds come in a ton of different colors: from bright white, to canary yellow, to deep blue and more. If you're shopping for a solitaire or an eternity band it's likely that you're looking at white diamonds, so that's what we'll focus on today.

The color scale used to grade diamonds is straightforward and easy to understand. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses the letters of the alphabet to show where diamond colors fall. The scale starts at the letter D (the brightest white diamonds) and goes all the way to the letter Z (light yellow and canary diamonds).

Generally speaking, the most prized and high-quality diamonds are D, E and F diamonds because they are colorless. These diamonds are bright white and show up beautifully when set against white metal. Diamonds that are G, H or I in color fall into the near-colorless range and, depending on the gem, these can also be beautiful, bright white diamonds.

Most mall jewelers have a wide selection of diamonds on display in their cases, but many of them will not be higher than an H in color. Studio Vincent's display diamonds are almost never lower than an H in color. We choose to use these higher quality diamonds for the following reason: when slightly yellow diamonds are set in white metal, the yellow reflects off the metal and comes back out through the top of the diamond. This can make the gem look dull or flat. Because whiter diamonds are rare, the price will reflect the color quality of the diamond you choose to purchase. When shopping for a center diamond for a solitaire we suggest going with a diamond that is F or G in color so that the design will be as stunning as possible.

When it comes to the small accent diamonds you see in engagement rings and eternity bands it's good to know that diamond color is still important. At Studio Vincent we use F or G colored tiny diamonds so that you get the most sparkle for your money. Just because the diamonds are small doesn't mean they shouldn't be brilliant!

While diamond color is an important factor, remember that the diamond you like best might not always be the whitest of the bunch. Pick the diamond that talks to you and you'll enjoy your purchase for years to come.

It's spring! It's spring!

2009-05-18T10:59:00.006-05:00

Spring is here and color is back!

Spring is a time for rebirth and renewal, filled with color and light. At Studio Vincent we have both to to accentuate your happy, springtime mood. These stainless steel rings by Humphrey of Austria are a fun, flirty way to show off a big splash of color and personality of your own. Each design is available in an array of colors to match your sense and style. These tension-style rings range from $267-$575.If you can't decide on one color get them all in this stunning necklace by Barbara Heinrich. Barbara arranges shimmering multi-colored briolette-cut sapphires in an arrangement that will go with every outfit and always add a little light of the day. These juicy colors invoke the freshness of spring during any season.

If you're looking for versatility as you start to shrug off the cold weather, nothing is better than Claudia Gieger's MOL necklace/bracelets. These gemstone pieces are made of crocheted stainless steel and can be worn around the neck or wrapped around the wrist! These pieces come in a variety of colors ranging from warm and dramatic garnet to the poppy freshness of peridot. Come try them on for yourself!

Celebrate your Mom!

2009-05-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

Spring has FINALLY arrived and at Studio Vincent we have been busy selling and making gorgeous wedding and engagement rings, just in time for summer proposals and weddings. We've been so busy, in fact, that we only just realized that Mother's Day is right around the corner! This post is dedicated to all of you mothers, wives, aunts, grandmas and even super special girlfriends. We've taken some time to scour our extensive jewelry collection to find some recommendations for last-minute gifts for mom.

Under $1,000

*German artist Claudia Geiger makes the sweetest crocheted steel necklaces you've ever seen. Choose from quartz or beryl, or spend a little more to get gorgeous pearls or sparkling diamonds. These pieces can be worn as necklaces or bracelets and are sure to start conversations.

*For the outdoorsy mom we recommend taking a peek at our collection of jewelry by Sarah Graham. This San Fransisco artist's work invokes thoughts of spring with textured stacking rings and perfect tiny diamonds.

*If you've shopped at Studio Vincent in the past you may have purchased a piece of jewelry by Austrian designer Humphrey. If the lady in your life liked the last piece, why not come in and get her another piece for her collection? With designs in pearls, citrines, peridot, topaz and more, you can't possibly go wrong.

*Local artist Emily Johnson uses silver and precious metals to make a collection that is both subtle and edgy. Her bud rings, featuring rose-cut gems, are so popular she can't make them fast enough and each piece is one-of-a-kind.

*Studio Vincent's Muse collection is a perfect choice for women of any age. We recommend the Luxor pendant and the Soho earrings, but we also have a wide selection of steel rings with various precious metal inlays. For the Mom that already owns a Muse piece, you might consider purchasing a sweet little Milan ring, custom designed with a diamond for each of your children.

$1000 and over

*If you want to shop for serious luxury this Mother's Day, come visit our selection of Barbara Heinrich jewelry. We recommend a gorgeous necklace with faceted or polished beads: peridot and aquamarine or labradorite. If your lady isn't a necklace kind of girl, then maybe a selection of stacking rings in burnished 18k gold would be a perfect fit.

*Studio Vincent's precious metal collection offers stunning bands in various colors, shapes and textures. For the woman who loves delicate things you could consider a diamond eternity band. For a bolder selection, look no further than our wide scatterbands and funky raw diamond rings.

*We've gushed about him before, but you really, REALLY should come in and pick up a piece by Michael Zobel. His techniques blend metals together in unusual combinations and the gems he selects for his designs are one-of-a-kind.

No matter what your budget looks like, we'd love to have you stop into the gallery to find the perfect Mother's Day gift. Nothing says "I love you" quite like a little black and red box from Studio Vincent.

Stephen Vincent - President, Studio Vincent

2009-05-04T13:49:00.003-05:00

... designed to perfection...

A 30 year worldwide journey that delved into both the passion and perfection of jewelry artistry has brought Stephen Vincent, designer and master goldsmith of Studio Vincent, to Minneapolis to create some of the world's most beautiful and unique collections and custom jewelry.

Stephen has traveled the world to train in both traditional and cutting edge techniques in jewelry design and manufacturing. He has studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design's Master Classes, San Francisco's Revere Academy, Germany and Rome with world renowned master goldsmith Giuseppe Missoni. Stephen also holds a GIA Certificate in Diamonds.

Stephen was one of the first goldsmiths in the US to use palladium and is a cutting pioneer in the use of palladium in jewelry. He is also one of the few taking advantage of not only stainless steel, but Damascus steel, which is the ancient art of folding and forging steel for maximum tensile strength which was developed for the blades for samurai swords and creates a stunning moire pattern in the metal.

Studio Vincent is know for its high standard of design and craftsmanship. Stephen's method of manipulating metals into tension set bands guarantees a crisp, never fading edge to the metal and a suspension setting that will outlast any other method of mounting and provide your gem with the maximum fire and brilliance.

Studio Vincent is an environmentally and socially aware company, choosing conflict free diamonds, recycling materials and selecting manufacturing processes and suppliers who are conscious of their carbon footprint.

Stephen's collections of Signature Engagement, Wedding and Commitment Rings as well as his Muse line of jewelry are inspired, but his true talent shines in his creation of one of a kind pieces inspired by a unique gem or a collaboration with a client - making their dreams a reality.

Visit our Gallery in Gaviidae Common or our new location in Scottsdale at Scottsdale Fashion Square and perhaps "dream a little dream" of your own.

Jewelry on the radio

2009-04-28T14:25:00.003-05:00

Studio Vincent would like to extend a warm welcome to FM107.1 listeners! Studio Vincent is a new sponsor of this fantastic radio station and the SV crew is excited to meet those of you who stop into our gallery for the first time.

Come in on your lunch hour or after work, or swing through on Saturday to try on some of our beautiful jewelry.

For those of you who are already SV clients, make sure to tune in to FM 107.1 on weekdays from 5-9 am to listen to Ian and Margery.

Staff Favorites: Emily

2009-04-28T13:45:00.014-05:00

If you want to make Emily Johnson smile, all you have to do is talk to her about Michael Zobel. Easily one of the most talented designers and goldsmiths of his time, Moroccan-born Michael Zobel uses exquisite gems, unusual techniques and fabulous shapes to give life to his unbelievably awesome jewelry.

When I asked Emily about her favorite piece in the gallery she gravitated towards the beautiful ring pictured below. The warm grey gold contrasts strongly with the platinum, and Zobel uses black diamonds to highlight the stark white of the most precious of metals. With a BFA in sculpture from MCAD, Emily is impressed by how Zobel can take the most basic kind of jewelry, the ring, and make it into a sculptural wonder. Not only does this ring have a delicious weight, but the ribbed texture makes it comfortable despite its width.

Emily's love for Zobel might have something to do with the fact that she owns one of his pieces already, and the grey gold and platinum ring pictured above would be a fabulous addition to her collection. Pictured below is Zobel's "Metropolis" ring, from the personal collection of Emily Johnson. The ability to take a completely normal gem like quartz and turn it into a small masterpiece like the ring below is uncommon: it takes precision, skill and, above all, imagination. The sculpted quartz and champagne diamonds set in platinum are transformed into a tiny city that never ceases to amaze.

Zobel's jewelry is like nothing you've seen before and I'm sure Emily would agree with me that seeing it merits a trip downtown, even during rush hour. Here are a few other pieces from his collection...come try them on and marvel at how good a piece of jewelry can make you feel.

-Louisa Podlich

Let's talk a little about diamonds: Clarity

2009-04-17T14:10:00.012-05:00

If you've ever shopped for diamonds before, you probably know a little bit about the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight. But what if this is your first time looking for a diamond? How do you decide which features are most important when you're on a budget?

Today we'd like to focus on diamond clarity.

When you're out shopping for diamonds, you will likely be attracted to one look over another. You might like the quiet elegance of a step-cut diamond, like an emerald or an asscher, or you might like the fire and excitement of a brilliant-cut diamond like a round or a princess. Both step-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds have their own beauty, but it's important to understand the role clarity plays in choosing a quality stone from each category.

Clarity refers to what you might think of as "nature's birthmarks" in a diamond. All but very few diamonds have some inclusions, although most are invisible to the eye without magnification of 10x. Inclusions can be surface blemishes, tiny fractures in the gem, particles of other minerals or even crystals. Sometimes these inclusions are hidden under a facet of a diamond and sometimes they are right out in the open. Generally speaking, inclusions are not a desirable trait for fine diamonds.

The diamond industry has created a scale to help grade the level of inclusions in each diamond. IF and F are internally flawless and flawless diamonds. Diamonds with a grade of VVS1 or VVS2 (very, very slightly included) may have one or two very small inclusions which would be invisible even under a microscope to anyone with an untrained eye. Diamonds with a grade of VS1 or VS2 (very slightly included) may have a few inclusions, but they would still be difficult to see, even with magnification. SI1 and SI2 (slightly included) diamonds can be found at most jewelry stores and often have inclusions that can be seen easily under a microscope. I1, I2 and I3 (imperfect) diamonds often have extreme blemishes either internally or on the surface, making them undesirable for everyday wear. You will never, ever find an I diamond at Studio Vincent.

After you've decided on a step-cut or a brilliant-cut diamond it's time to start examining clarity. If you've chosen a brilliant cut, you can often find beautiful gems in the VS2 to SI1 range with inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye. Many times these inclusions are hidden under one of the facets of the diamond and they don't drastically affect the path of light that makes diamonds so sparkly. Be careful of clarity, though, if you are considering buying a tension setting. Any inclusions or cracks near the edge of the gem could cause your diamond to break. The tension rings sold at Studio Vincent all have high-clarity diamonds for just this reason.

If you've chosen a step-cut diamond, clarity is a little more important. Because there are fewer facets, step-cut diamonds often have large, flat planes. Inclusions have fewer places to hide, and there's nothing less attractive than a beautiful emerald-cut diamond with a big blemish in the middle. For these beautiful cuts we suggest looking in the VVS to VS range.

Clarity can play a big role in diamond pricing because the fewer inclusions, the rarer the diamond. In order to find the gem that's perfect for you it's important to see it first. Each diamond is cut by hand and has a different personality. Who knows? You might even like the inclusion you find in yours! Come visit the Studio Vincent crew with all of your questions and we will help you find a diamond that will put a twinkle in your eye.

Birthstones: April is Diamonds!

2009-03-26T14:05:00.008-05:00

Diamonds. Just the word can bring a smile to even the most serious of faces. Widely regarded as the most precious of gems, diamonds are considered the birthstone of the month of April, so come visit us at Studio Vincent to pick up a gift for your April baby! Diamonds come out of the ground looking like semi-translucent pebbles and are sorted by color before they are sent to be cut. The majority of diamond jewelry on the market has cut and polished gems, but the more creative goldsmiths like to explore using raw and uncut diamonds in their designs. Diamonds can come in a rainbow of colors and we recommend using colored diamonds in place of semi-precious gems in many designs because of their durability.

The word diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas, which means unconquerable. Diamonds, indeed, are known for their longevity and hardness, making them an excellent choice for engagement, wedding and commitment rings, or any jewelry that will be worn on a daily basis. Before purchasing a diamond it's necessary to understand how they're categorized and graded. We are happy to sit down with our clients to explain the Four C's of the diamond trade: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Come in today and get a jump start on your April birthday purchases! Choose from bezel set diamond studs, tension set diamond rings, rough diamond earrings and much more.

Staff Favorites: Megan

2009-03-26T13:22:00.004-05:00

Studio Vincent's Megan Baxter is still fairly new to the jewelry business, but she picked up the lingo right away. When I asked her about her favorite piece of jewelry in the store she took a careful look around and then started telling me why she liked the Studio Vincent Muse Collection made by our own Stephen Vincent.

Megan is sophisticated, especially for her age, but she definitely has a whimsical side and the Muse Collection, especially the Soho pendant pictured here appeals to both aspects of her personality. Created from stainless steel and fine silver with flush set diamonds, this pendant shows that jewelry techniques aren't static. Megan loves how the Muse jewelry mixes stainless steel, relatively new on the jewelry scene, with old-school silver and diamonds; the young and old merging to give jewelry a face lift.

Although this collection is contemporary, it remains elegant and Megan tells clients that this piece will look good with day or night attire. An April baby, she's especially fond of wearing diamonds and never hesitates to point out how wonderful it feels to wear a little sparkle every day.

-Louisa Podlich

Studio Vincent Staff Party!

2009-03-09T16:33:00.004-05:00

Staff Favorites: Louisa

2009-03-02T11:26:00.005-06:00

I've been a jewelry lover my entire life. I used to cut out pictures of stacking rings and gemstone necklaces from my mom's old Coldwater Creek magazines and paste them in my journal. My tastes have evolved since then, but for the last 18 years or so I've searched magazines, websites, boutiques...all in search of the perfect accessory...and I finally found it.

Behold the Mokume Lantern Earrings by Minneapolis artist George Sawyer. They're so long they just graze the shoulder, and heavy enough to remind you of just how fabulous they are. They look amazing when paired with a little black dress, a white blouse, a boat neck sweater. You can wear them with short hair or long hair, and they'll go perfectly with your eyes, guaranteed.

Someday I will own a pair of these earrings, but for now I'd be happy to sell them to you! Start putting money in your piggy bank now and before you know it you'll be the proud owner of beautiful earrings that will perfectly compliment your summer tan.

-Louisa Podlich

Designer Bio: Barbara Heinrich

2009-03-02T10:28:00.013-06:00

Now a recognized name in galleries around the world, Barbara Heinrich began her career selling jewelry on the streets of her home town of Heilbronn, Germany. Barbara established her jewelry studio in Rochester, New York in 1986 after graduating from RIT and since then her jewelry has captivated people across the world.

Barbara works mainly in platinum and 18k gold and her pieces range from contemporary to old-fashioned. Barbara's studio prides itself on originality of design, excellence in craftsmanship and total wearability.

Here at Studio Vincent we love the antique feel of the burnished gold and the intricate detail of granulated metal. We also adore her use of sapphire briolettes in every color; sometimes wearing her pieces evokes being a kid in a candy shop.

New! Studio Vincent Blog!

2009-02-12T15:24:00.005-06:00

With an ever-changing inventory we want to keep you, our client, up-to-date on our newest designs, collections, events and sales. We've joined the blogging world to keep you posted. Visit us weekly for updates and photos as well as designer bios.

In addition to being a forum for us to share information with you, we want to know what you think. What do you want to see more of? What are you interested in? What do you love?

Share your feedback, enjoy learning more about Studio Vincent and welcome to the SV blog!

Studio Vincent Collection Palladium and 18k yellow gold band with diamonds

Studio Vincent Collection 18k red gold hammered band with baguette diamond

Studio Vincent Collection Stainless steel and fine silver

Studio Vincent Collection Damascus steel and fine silver band

Studio Vincent Collection 18k red gold hand-forged engagement ring with round brilliant diamonds

Meet the staff!

2009-02-09T14:12:00.007-06:00

Stephen Vincent: Owner, Master Goldsmith

You've admired his designs, now meet the genius behind Studio Vincent.

Stephen began his affair with precious metals in 1976. A self-taught goldsmith, Stephen started his career by selling jewelry at the local Uptown Art Fair. His aesthetic and vision have evolved over the last 30 years into what you can see today at his downtown jewelry gallery. With a focus on form and a dedication to retaining the purity of the materials, the Studio Vincent collection is contemporary, timeless and always changing. During the last 15 years Stephen has studied with the most respected master goldsmiths in the USA and Europe.

Stephen is a talented cook and chocolatier and enjoys entertaining.

He has a quirky sense of humor and is much beloved by his staff.

Emily Johnson: Gallery Director

A talented artist and experienced business woman, Emily relies on her technical know-how and creative sensibilities to lead the team at Studio Vincent. Emily is a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Sculpture and has taken courses in Jewelry manufacturing from MCTC. A member of the Women's Jewelry Association and MN Artists, Emily also creates her own line of jewelry (and you can find it at Studio Vincent!). Emily is continually striving to expand her artistic and business abilities through continuing education and is proud to work in a gallery that displays such prestigious designers.

Emily enjoys eating out and being part of the local art scene.

Susan Frerichs: Goldsmith, Workshop Manager

A graduate of Carleton College, Susan has a BA in Studio Art. She has over seven years of experience in the local jewelry scene and draws on her experience as she helps Studio Vincent grow. She attended the Revere Academy in San Francisco, California where she studied under numerous master goldsmiths in the field.

Susan loves riding horses and spending time in the sunshine.

Jolie Lahlum: Office Manager

An impressive addition to the Studio Vincent team in 2006: Jolie has a Bachelor's degree in accounting, is a certified public accountant, has a Master's degree in Business Taxation from the Carlson School of Business and received her Law degree from Hamline in 1999. Jolie wears many hats in the company and continues to move the business forward.

Jolie is a mother of two, grandmother of two and enjoys painting and spending time with her family.

Britta Kauppila: Design Consultant, Goldsmith

Britta graduated from University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Bachelor's degree in Art with a focus on jewelry and metals. She also has a Gemology Certificate from MCTC. Britta blends her specialized technical knowledge of metal and gemstones with her love for art to help her clients find the perfect design. She splits her time between the gallery and the workshop and is grateful to learn the art of metalsmithing from Stephen. Britta has been with Studio Vincent since 2005.

Britta has a jewelry studio in South Minneapolis, loves being outdoors and is a fierce hockey player.

Louisa Podlich: Design Consultant

Louisa graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006 with a BA in Spanish Language. She has 15 years of selling experience (she started young) and has completed formal sales training. Louisa draws from her retail background, passion for good design and many years of waitressing to assist her clients in making informed decisions and having positive jewelry experiences. Louisa participates regularly in the local art scene and works with painters in the Northrup King Building. Louisa has been with Studio Vincent since 2006.

Louisa likes to ride her bicycle fast at night and lives with her kittens, Ernest and Ivan.

Megan Baxter: Design Consultant

The youngest member of the SV team, Megan is currently enrolled at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design where she is studying Graphic Design. She brings a thorough understanding of form and composition to the table and is gifted at conveying artistry to the client. Megan is fast learner who has immersed herself in the jewelry industry.

Megan loves to travel and is an avid LOST fan.

Designer Bio: Andre Ribeiro

2009-02-09T12:57:00.001-06:00

"Light loves to play in the dark."

-Andre

If you're ever in Schomberg, Germany, keep your eyes open for French-born jewelry designer Andre Ribeiro. Living and working on the edge of the Black Forest, Andre juxtaposes light and dark by setting fine diamonds in industrial rubber.

A conceptual artist, Andre is constantly exploring contrast. By setting lustrous and valuable gems in matte black rubber, Andre joins the virtually eternal with the comparatively short-lived.

Wear your Andre with jeans and a tee-shirt or a little black dress. With earrings, rings and necklaces priced at $300-$2500 you simply can't go wrong.