December is a busy month nestled between Thanksgiving and the new year— and with big holidays of its own— and it is also the birth month for people celebrating their birthday in the 12th month of the year. Those celebrating a birthday in December can expect a cooler birthday as the month has the shortest daylight hours and marks the beginning of winter.

A few facts about December birthstones:

• Fewer children are born in December than other months. December is part of a four month cycle between November and February where the birth rate worldwide drops, reflecting many couples' choice to avoid the holiday season when planing their pregnancies.

• December's Zodiac signs are Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 - January 19).

• December is also Universal Human Rights Month and National Read a New Book Month.

• December was the 10th month of the year until January and February were added to the front of the Roman calendar.

• Many celebrities celebrate a December birthday: Lucy Liu (12/2), Walt Disney (12/5), Larry Bird (12/7,) Frank Sinatra (12/12), Bob Barker (12/12), Taylor Swift (12/13), Jamie Foxx (12/13), Vanessa Hudgens (12/25), Ludwig van Beethoven (12/16), Samuel L. Jackson (12/21), Sir Isaac Newton (12/25) and Stan Lee (12/28).

• The birth flowers of December are narcissus and holly.

• December has three birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon and Tanzanite.

More on December's three birthstones:

TANZANITE

A one-of-a-kind gemstone, Tanzanite is known for its exotic deep blue color with a rich overtone of purple. This popular blue gemstones comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and striking assortments of blue tones. Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, East Africa, and was added to the official birthstone list by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002. Tanzanite is also the suggested gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary.

TURQUOISE

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones has enjoyed worldwide popularity for centuries. A favorite of Egyptian Pharaohs and early Native Americans, this beautiful blue gemstone is believed to offer healing powers, promoting the wearer’s status and wealth, protecting from evil and bringing good luck.

ZIRCON

Zircon is best known as a bright blue gemstone, but it is also available in beautiful earth tones of green, dark red, yellow, brown, and orange. Popular in the Middle Ages, Zircon was said to aid in resting, bring prosperity and promote honor and wisdom in its owner. Other special properties include fighting evil and avoiding jealousy, protecting from insomnia and promoting happiness and self-satisfaction.

Let us help you find the perfect December birthstone gift at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Thursday, December 13, 2018 12:53:33 PM America/Los_Angeles

Customer Appreciation Holiday Party

at Affinity & Co. Jewelers
December 15th, 10 am to 6 pm
Receive a Special Gift with every purchase
Refreshments will be served

*Holiday Hours Begin December 8th
Monday - Friday 10 am - 7 pm
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

Comments | Posted in Blog By Affinity Blogger

Monday, December 3, 2018 3:20:41 AM America/Los_Angeles

A solitaire engagement ring showcases the dazzling beauty of a single diamond. This engagement ring style is perfect for the bride who appreciates elegance and simplicity— and brides looking for a classic, traditional engagement ring. In a solitaire engagement ring, the diamond takes center stage, unlike a halo engagement ring or three-stone engagement ring. This engagement ring style is typically paired with a prong setting to maximize the sparkle.

A solitaire engagement ring setting is a perfect choice for any diamond shape, from round to pear to heart. This classic style can be personalized with metal colors, accent diamonds, and other details that will make an engagement ring one-of-a-kind. With a single center diamond, this ring style is a classic choice that never go out of style.

Our Favorite Solitaire Engagement Ring Settings at Affinity and Co. Jewelers:

Let us help you find the perfect solitaire engagement ring at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Thursday, November 1, 2018 2:05:47 PM America/Los_Angeles

Picking out wedding bands is often one of the last big to-do's before walking down the aisle. Your engagement ring says yes to getting engaged... your wedding bands say yes to forever.

The wedding band is the perfect opportunity to enhance that beautiful engagement ring and really show off your personal style. Wedding band options are more unique than ever. You are no longer limited to the classic thin, coordinating band. Now you have colors, shapes and multiple bands to consider!

Affinity & Co. Jewelers is proud to offer Huffington Beach-area couples the best in men's and women's wedding bands. We offer many designs of men's wedding bands and women's wedding bands. We feature gold wedding bands, cobalt, palladium, platinum, silver, stainless steel or titanium wedding bands.  You can also select from specific designer jewelers or specific wedding collections.

Four Things to Consider When Buying Her Wedding Band

Think about function.

If you are active or like to travel with minimal jewelry, you might like the option of wearing just your wedding band and leaving the engagement ring in the jewelry box. Consider a style that stands on its own so you have options that fit your lifestyle.

Choose your own look.

Do you like the matching look or are you into something that stands on its own apart from your engagement ring? Contrasting engagement rings and wedding bands are on trend and create a look that's all your own. If you love rose or yellow gold but have a white gold engagement ring, you might appreciate the mixed metal look with your wedding band.

Play with numbers.

The only thing better than one stunning wedding band is two! When creating a look that complements your engagement ring, two (or more!) bands might be perfect for you. Try on a pair matching bands stacked on either side of your engagement ring and see what you think!

Consider color.

We love the sparkle of white diamonds, but color is always invited to the party! Your wedding band can express your personal style or other things that are important to you like the birthstone of your partner or the month you will say "I do." The most commonly chosen colored stones in a wedding band are ruby, emerald and sapphire.

Visit our Huntington Beach showroom to view our complete engagement ring selection, or explore a collection online here. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 11:03:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Comments | Posted in Blog By Affinity Blogger

Monday, October 15, 2018 10:58:24 PM America/Los_Angeles

Sapphire is the birthstone for those born in the month of September, although its popularity extends far past the ninth month of the year. Did you also know sapphire is also a traditional anniversary gift for four wedding anniversaries? Learn more about this beloved, royal blue stone below. 

Sapphire Folklore
Folklore tells that sapphires will protect loved ones from envy and harm and grant the wearer spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. They are believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. Sapphires are also considered an antidepressant.

Sapphires to Celebrate Anniversaries 
For couples looking for a traditional anniversary gift, sapphires are given for the 5th, 23rd, 45th and 65th wedding anniversaries. Couples celebrating these milestone anniversaries might consider a sapphire anniversary band that can be worn with the bridal set. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Thursday, September 6, 2018 2:26:36 PM America/Los_Angeles

Your engagement ring is likely one of the most precious items you own— both in terms of sentimental and financial value. By simply incorporating a few precautions and maintenance habits now, you will ensure your engagement ring shines for years to come!

We are sharing  key tips to kep your engagement ring as dazzling as the day you first put it on! 

Clean your ring at home with mild solutions.

Regularly wash your ring at home by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for roughly 30 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft bristle toothbrush.

You can also clean metals and precious stones with baking soda with its mild, non-abrasive consistency that makes it perfect for cleaning. Simply pour a bit of baking soda into a bowl and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a soft paste. Take off your ring and use your fingers to gently rub the paste around the stone, the setting, and the ring. Rinse the ring in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Have a go-to safe spot.

Whether you always take your ring off to sleep or shower, or if you only remove it when you really must, it's wise to have a designated spot for it. Whether you choose a specific area in your jewelry box, or a small dish on your dresser, having a go-to location will cut down on the chances of forgetting where you put it. 

Consider adding an alternative ring to the mix.

Many brides are choosing to rely on a “backup ring.” This ring is an alternate ring to your engagement ring that is often less valuable and can be worn without worry of it getting lost or damaged.

When you don't want to put your engagement ring at risk (a long day at the beach or gardening, for example), leave the real bling at home and opt for an alternative ring.

Avoid contact with harsh chemical residue.

Chemicals from everyday products (not just harah cleaners— even the ones in perfume, sunscreen, and lotion) can add residue to the ring and diamond, which can cause potential damage. Make it a habit to remove your ring before applying products that may be made with harmful chemicals.

Restore shine to white gold and platinum.

No matter what care you give your ring, every white gold ring will start to dull and a yellow hue will start to shine through. This is natural and unavoidable, but the gold’s original sheen can be easily restored through a process called Rhodium plating.

While platinum rings do not need Rhodium treatments as platinum does not originally start off as yellow, those who want a shinier look to their platinum engagement ring can opt to have their platinum band plated for more shine.

Get insurance.

As with any serious investment, it's wise to consider getting insurance for your engagement ring. While it might be emotionally difficult to ever have to replace your engagement ring, knowing you wouldn't have the financial upset if you ever did lose it can be more than worth it. 

Schedule professional cleanings.

Our jewelers are happy to give your engagement ring a thorough professional cleaning. Not only will we clean your ring, but we will examine it under magnification to make sure the prongs are secure, and to check for diamond fractures and loose stones. It is wise to have your ring professionally cleaned twice a year to maintain the structural integrity of your ring and keep it as dazzling as the first time you put it on. 

Repair broken jewelry as soon as posssible. 

Do you need your jewelry inspected or repaired? Our master craftsmen will repair, clean, and polish your jewelry and timepieces on the premises. Our services include ring sizing, rhodium plating, soldering, clasp replacements, pearl restringing, prong repair, diamond and stone setting, and watch repair. 

Learn more about jewelry repair by visting our Huntington Beach showroom, calling us at 714-596-3900, or visiting our website HERE. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Friday, August 31, 2018 2:24:02 PM America/Los_Angeles

We will have the entire Tacori RoyalT line available!

Earn DOUBLE Tacori Journey vacation credits with your purchase and other special offers

Please call for an appointment today
714-596-3900

Join us for Mimosas & Light Hors D’Oeuvres
Receive a Tacori jewelry dish for attending the event
Enter to win a diamond Tacori necklace (valued at $900) with purchase

Prepaid Visa Card with purchase:
$300 on $2500+ purchase
$500 on $5000+ purchase
$750 on $7500+ purchase
Special No Interest Financing available

EARN DOUBLE JOURNEY REWARDS FOR THIS EVENT ONLYReceive a FREE $100 Tacori Journeys voucher when you RSVP

Hand in Hand with Matching Bands

Every Tacori engagement ring purchased from September 1st through December 14, 2018, earn a $250 towards each purchase of any Tacori 18k Gold wedding band, and $500 towards each purchase of any Tacori Platinum wedding band.
Limited Time Offer

Comments | Posted in Blog By Affinity Blogger

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 2:19:52 AM America/Los_Angeles

July is wonderful a month to celebrate a birthday! From summer getaways to 4th of July BBQ's, July is a fabulous month to be born. Nothing marks the passing of another year better than jewelry when your birthstone is the beautiful ruby! Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July, and there are other birthstones that are associated with the month of July including Onyx, Carnelian, and even Moonstone.

The Origin of Birthstones

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of associating a certain birthstone with your birth month was born? Birthstones and their association to the Zodiac extends back to the twelve stones used in the Arron's breastplate mentioned in Exodus. However, the tradition is probably even far older. Adopted and further codified by Christians and related to a passage in Revelation; the association of birthstones with birth months continues in the West up to modern times. There are textual references to the association of certain stones with certain birth months from eighth century Poland and sixteenth century Germany. Exactly which stone represents which month was further refined in the 1870s and revised in 1912. For centuries stones have been associated with healing powers, luck and power— even more reasons birthstones are so popular.

Some Interesting Facts About Rubies

Rubies are a variety of the mineral called corundum and the line between pink sapphires and rubies is based on color rather than composition. Rubies have a Trigonal structure and the chemical name is Aluminum oxide. The hardness of a ruby is a 9. Rubies can be cut into a variety of different shapes, but brilliant cut and cabochon, also known as star rubies, are two of the most prized cuts for this fabulous, rare stone.

The Meaning of Rubies

Rubies are red and luscious, alive and mysterious. From their deep color comes the associations and symbolism associated with this gem. Rubies represent power and love. They also represent passion and energy. According to Bishop Marbodius from the eleventh century, "Ruby is the solitary and glowing eye which dragons and wyverns carry in the middle of their foreheads."

Shop ruby birthstone jewelry HERE. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Thursday, July 5, 2018 1:00:00 PM America/Los_Angeles

If a proposal is in your future, there's a chance you have a few things you know about engagement rings. Whether it be the best size, the ideal shape, or the rules for budget, we all have ideas of what is right that we have picked up over time. 

An engagement ring is both an emotionally and financially big purchase, so of course it is a purchase you will want to get right. Just like purchasing a car or putting a down payment on a house, it's best to go into it informed.

We've pulled together ten of the biggest engagement ring myths— and what is actually true— for discerning brides- and grooms-to-be.

Top 10 Engagement Ring Myths

A solitaire is a ring with a single round diamond.

Solitaire comes from the word ‘solo,’ meaning a single diamond when referring to an engagement ring. A solitaire ring can actually have any shape of center diamond. The only real standard for a solitaire engagement ring is that it has no additional diamonds on the band. You can absolutely have a heart shaped diamond solitaire engagement ring, for example!

Diamonds are indestructible and can’t be damaged.

While diamonds score a 10/10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness (meaning of all minerals, they’re one of the hardest and most difficult to destruct), it’s possible for a diamond to chip or crack if struck at the right angle with the right force. This is why it's a good idea to leave your ring in a safe place when working with your hands or playing hand-contact sports.

Platinum engagement ring settings are indestructible.

Just like its white gold and yellow gold counterparts, your platinum engagement ring setting can be damaged through excessive wear or blunt force. 

You have to spend XX% of your salary on the ring.

We've heard it all: that you should spent two months pay, three months pay, and a certain percentage of your annual salary on an engagement ring. This is a myth; the best budget is the one you come up with and that feels comfortable in your own financial situation. Remember, you can always finance, or pay with credit card. 

Round diamonds appear the largest compared to other shapes.

While round diamonds have the potential to sparkle more than any other diamond shape, their symmetry also makes them appear slightly smaller in comparison to a fancy shaped diamond of the same carat weight. The apparent size of any diamond, when viewed from the top down, can vary depending on the shape and size of the wearer’s hand. This is why it's a great idea to try on different diamond shapes and setting styles when beginning your engagement ring search.

The engagement ring and wedding band should match.

Gone are the days of the engagement ring and wedding band having to be a perfect match (thankfully). There are endless opportunities to create your own unique look with a mix of metals and styles between your engagement ring and wedding band. If you really want to create a unique look, choose more than one wedding band for a stacked look.

An true engagement ring has a diamond center stone.

While we love a diamond engagement ring, emeralds, sapphires, and other gemstones are stealing center stage in some stunning engagement rings. Each gemstone has its own beautiful hue and meaning, so there is no need to feel like you have to choose a diamond when finding or creating your perfect engagement ring.

The setting is just a stage for the center diamond.

While your center stone might be more expensive than the setting, both combine to make the whole package. If you view an engagement ring setting as simply a stage for the diamond, you could be missing out on some beautiful details. Give thought to the setting as much as the center stone.

The engagement ring has to be a surprise.

While most couples still prefer a surprise proposal, discussing what she likes and dislikes in engagement rings— or even stopping by the showroom to try on rings together— will help ensure your partner will love the final ring you choose. Don't worry— the proposal will still be a surprise!

Designing your own engagement ring is hard.

While custom designing your engagement ring can be a tedious process, it can actually be very easy (and cost efficient!) to design the ring of your dreams. A custom, handcrafted piece of jewelry from Affinity & Co. allows you the opportunity to create and design a one of a kind piece of jewelry that will become a part of you. Our designers give you the opportunity to create the jewelry piece of your dreams so you can be assured it will be exactly what you are looking for and enjoy for years to come. Learn more about custom design HERE. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 12:55:15 PM America/Los_Angeles