CLARITY:  Clarity is just as it sounds.  It refers to the internal and external characteristics of the diamond.  In simple terms, the fewer the inclusions or blemishes, the more desirable the diamond (inclusions are inside the diamond, and blemishes are on the outside).  A high-powered microscope is necessary to locate most of these tiny characteristics.  Keep in mind, a highly included diamond is not only cosmetically less desirable, but also is more susceptible to breakage.

COLOR:  Color for white diamonds are rated on a alphabetical scale ranging from D (colorless and exceedingly rare) to Z (light yellow).  Most diamonds possess some degree of yellow or brown.  Small and nearly undetectable differences in color can make a substantial difference in a diamond’s cost.  I general, the more colorless the diamond, the greater its cost.  A well-cut diamond, especially the round brilliant, will utilize refraction to disguise some degrees of coloration.

CARAT:  Possibly the easiest of the 4-C’s to determine.  Carats are established by weighing a loose diamond on a calibrated scale.  A carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram.  As diamonds increase in size, their cost tends to increase exponentially.  For instance, a one-carat diamond will cost considerably more than twice as much as a half-carat stone of the same quality.  Keep this in mind as you’re looking for the perfect stone in regards to size.

There are so many things to be anxious about in regards to an engagement, please allow Clarkson Jewelers to take the uncertainty and angst out of the ring purchasing process.  We’re home the St. Louis’ LARGEST selection of high-quality engagement rings and our sales people are NEVER paid on commissions, so you’re certain to purchase a ring you love and will love presenting on the day of your proposal.

Clarkson Jewelers’ selection includes Hearts on Fire, Tacori, A. Jaffe, JB Star,  & Martin Flyer to name a few as well as our exclusive Your Choice Program, which allows you to find a great diamond engagement ring at a budget that suits all needs.

Please read our post on the “4-C’s” of diamond purchasing and please, come visit us when you’re ready to take this giant step in your life.

Stop in and take a look at our David Oscarson fine writing instruments and cufflinks, or all of our fine timepieces from Patek Philippe, Breitling and another top-line brand I can’t mention on the internet.  Don’t forget that we also carry the full line of the David Yurman men’s collection.

Clarkson Jewelers recently added the Frederique Constant line of fine timepieces to our already exceptional selection of the most sought after timepieces known to man.  All Frederique Constant timepieces are hand assembled, one by one, and each Frederique Constant case is hand-polished for many hours prior to ever reaching the consumer.

These new timepieces are truly beautiful, and you must stop in to see them!

Well, the best pens in production today are designed and produced by David Oscarson.  In less than a decade, David Oscarson has created an eponymous brand of writing instruments that is synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and style. By using only the finest materials and production techniques, Oscarson has taken the writing pen from a merely functional instrument of everyday use to the latest must-have luxury item.

Due to the amount of labor that goes into creating each pen, Oscarson has kept most of his collections to a minimal 88 pieces. “Our production is limited because of the meticulous care and painstaking detail that goes into each and every pen,” he says. With only five to seven goldsmiths working in his shop at any given time, no more than 10 units can be produced in a week.

With the exceptional craftsmanship and detail of these pens, you simply must stop in to Clarkson Jewelers to have a look at them yourself… in person!

When you’re looking for a Tissot Timepiece look no further than Clarkson Jewelers, and you’ll find that both of our locations feature fantastic Tissot watches at a value that is unmatched in the St. Louis market.  Make Clarkson Jewelers your first stop when you’re looking for a Tissot, and we’ll help ensure that it’s the last place you go.

For additional information or to schedule a private showing, please contact the store at 636.227.2006.

The ruby has always been appreciated for its exotic red hues, ranging from purplish red to an orange-red.  This gem continues to be one of the most expensive and desired of all the gemstones.

According to an ancient Egyptian legend, wearing a ruby near the skin promoted a long, healthy and happy life.  The ruby was also once believed to banish evil thoughts and reconcile disputes.  At times, the ruby was also believed to promote fertility and some cultures even inserted genuine rubies beneath their skin.

In 1998, Roberto Coin began marking the “Appassionata” collection by setting a small ruby hidden within each piece so that the stone was directly in contact with the skin.  Since then this tradition has carried through to all other Roberto Coin collections so that it has become the exclusive mark of each Roberto Coin piece.

We’ll be open Monday through Friday from 10am to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm.  Our Lake St. Louis location will share these hours, however they will remain open until 8pm on Saturdays.

We hope to see you in the store soon!