A&L Blog

Part of celebrating what matters is celebrating our customers.  We celebrate the tastemakers in our community who have style worth noting. We’ve sought these style icons out and asked them to create their dream jewelry box. Tracy is a business development professional in the legal industry. As a professional, she enjoys putting together tailored attire with an interesting piece of jewelry. On the weekends she literally shifts gears and can be found cycling or spending time at the horse barn. She balances her dress and casual styles with accessories that are flexible enough to put with a suit and her favorite pair of jeans. Tracy’s style tip: A colorful pashmina scarf adds a pop of color and dresses up whatever you’re wearing.  Tracy’s focus on giving back to the community is admirable. Every year she is deeply involved in Pelotonia, helping the law firm where she works to raise a significant amount of money for cancer research. Check out the photos we took of Tracy putting together her jewelry box. Stop by the store to see the entire case of Tracy’s picks, there’s sure to be something in it you can’t live without!

Born in 1920 in a small village in Hungary, Alfred Tibor lived an expansive life. From the ferocity of a Russian battlefield to the brutality of a Siberian prison camp to the adventure of his life in the U.S., Tibor experienced all of human emotion, cataloged it within himself, and delivered it to the world through his sculpture. Tibor passed away in 2017, but his legacy of beauty, life and love lives on in his work and continues to inspire us. His works can be seen throughout Central Ohio in many outdoor installations and at Argo & Lehne Jewelers.

Visit us in the store or online to browse our collection of Tibor’s sculptures.

To learn more about him, view our videos about his life & work.

Dancing Mother

The Ultimate Friendship

First Flight

Here are some example appraisals for your reference:

pearl necklace

pink tourmaline diamond ring

sapphire diamond bracelet

yellow gold diamond pendant

rose gold diamond ring

yellow gold diamond ring

LIMITING CONDITIONS

Replacement value is the current value for which an item may be purchased in a jewelry store engaged in the business of selling comparable merchandise.  Unless indicated, we have not removed any gems.

Diamonds are graded for the three quality factors of cutting, color & clarity according to the American Gem Society diamond grading standards.  Each of these quality factors is rated on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being the best possible grade for that particular quality factor.  No diamond may be assigned a grade of 0 for any quality factors unless it is examined un-mounted.  Mounted diamonds are given a provisional grade in each of the quality factors.

Unless otherwise stated, all colored stones listed on this appraisal report is assumed to have been subjected to a permanent & in most cases undetectable color enhancement process.  Prevailing market values are based on these processes, which are universally practiced & accepted by the gem & jewelry trade.

Mountings prohibit the full & accurate evaluation of gemstones. All measurements & weights are approximate unless gemstones have been removed from mountings.  Identification of metals & methods of construction are determined only to the extent that the design permits.

The values expressed are based on the current information available at the date of the appraisal & the appraiser’s judgment & opinion. It is not a representation or warranty that the items will realize those values if offered for sale.

Rendering this appraisal does not require testimony or attendance in court or at any other hearing. The appraiser will try to accommodate arrangements made a reasonable time in advance.  Compensation will be at our customary hourly rate.

This copyrighted report shall not be used in whole or in part, other than its intended purpose, including but not limited to publicity, promotion or transfer of the article.

This report is not a guarantee or agreement or offer to buy & Argo & Lehne Jewelers makes no representation or warranty regarding this report or the article described herein.

This report is specifically limited to the article described at the time of its examination & is limited to the person requesting such report at the time the article & report are delivered.  It is not valid at any later date or for any subsequent transfer.

Argo & Lehne Jewelers, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense as a result of this descriptive report to any person after the article has left the custody of Argo & Lehne.  Due to the nature of the article & the possibility of damage, change or other occurrence Argo & Lehne for itself, its agents & its employees specifically denies any liability to any persons for any reason for this report after the article has left the control of Argo & Lehne Jewelers, Inc.

Here are 36 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent 

1. What kinds of jewelry insurance are there?

2. Is my policy all risk?

3. Against what risks is unscheduled jewelry protected?

4. Against what risks is scheduled jewelry protected?

5. What risks are not covered?

6. What is the cost per thousand for full coverage?

7. What is the cost per thousand for partial coverage?

8. What are the limitations of partial coverage?

9. What is the deductible?

10. How much can I lower my premium by increasing my deductible?

11. What security precautions are required?

12. How much can I lower my premium by increasing precautions? (home security systems, special door locks, fire detectors, fireproof in-house safe, items stored in safety deposit box, etc.)

13. What proof is needed to justify a claim?

14. Am I still covered if there is negligence or carelessness?

15. Can I opt for cash instead of replacement?

16. Is cash out for full value? If not, how is it determined?

17. Is depreciation imposed? When, how and to what is it computed?

18. What types of property are not covered?

19. What exclusions are there?

20. Who is covered?

21. What is the difference in limitation between jewelry and silverware?

22. Can I replace a damaged piece or am I limited to repair?

23. What geographical limitations are there to my coverage? Is my children’s jewelry covered for the same risks when they are not at home? (college, summer job, travel in country, travel out of country, etc.)

24. What is coverage if an item is lost, stolen, or damaged while in another’s possession?

25. What is coverage if part of an item is lost, stolen, or damaged in another’s possession?

26. If I lose part of a set is coverage for full value or limited to the percentage of loss?

27. Is an appraisal needed for full coverage?

28. How often should an appraisal be updated?

29. Am I limited to the appraised replacement value if there has been an increase or is coverage for full replacement value at time of loss?

30. How is value determined if an item is irreplaceable?

31. Do any circumstances void my coverage? (flood, lightning, war, nuclear disaster, fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, etc.)

32. Can I use my jeweler for replacement?

33. Can I verify proper replacement with my jeweler if an insurance company source makes the replacement?

34. Will my claim and the replacement value be more readily accepted if an AGS Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, Certified Gemologist Appraiser does the appraisal?

35. If I have a lab report or laser identification on my diamond or gem will it enhance my coverage or improve my premium?

36. What is the actual language in the policy for each concern I’ve expressed?

We love to educate our customers. So, in the spirit of education and in response to this intense cold snap we want to be sure you know how to care for your jewelry in the cold. One stone that is particularly vulnerable to the extreme cold are opals.

Jennifer explains in her “Did You Know” video.

http://youtu.be/_W2OGketPfQ

This unique cushion-cut pink opal and diamond ring is a stunner.

Mesmerizing black opal and diamond ring.

A floral-inspired diamond and opal cluster ring.

Continue Reading

Vintage pins are beautiful. But, how often will you really wear them? Jennifer inherited a gorgeous deco pin set from her grandmother and re-imaged it into a wearable stunner of a necklace.

Argo & Lehne are experts in custom jewelry design. We help customers re-imagine old pieces into new treasures every day.

http://youtu.be/ZiDWltW9kFE

There are so many tough choices in this world: chocolate or vanilla, heels or flats, cappuccino or latte, and hoops or studs. Luckily, Jennifer is back with her latest “I’m Loving It” video to walk us through selecting the perfect earrings.

http://youtu.be/GKscEXv3AVw

How Much Do You Love Me?

These pack a big bang!

You can never go wrong with a classic.

Continue Reading

A couple came into the store and told us they had been robbed. The husband told the sales associate how lucky they had been that nothing had happened to his wife and it was obvious that she is his most cherished treasure. Her wedding band was stolen, but she was left unharmed. He explains that their rings had matched and showed the associate his ring.

The intricacy of their original ring was unsurpassed by rings of current style. He gave up his ring in a showing of pure devotion that brought our staff to tears.  Our craftsmen were able to take his ring and cut it in half to make two rings and then size the second to fit. Both rings were fashioned with gold bands on each side to make them a matched pair.

Here is their story in their own words:

“When her ring was lost, she decided that it was sold, melted down and used in new wedding rings for couples just starting their journeys together in life and love. And whoever was lucky enough to receive a few grams of gold from her ring would experience the magic embedded in her ring wrought over 43 years of our joys, all of our experiences, and our triumphs over losses.”

“By separating “one ring” into two, we fell in love all over again, just as we did at first and just as we and other couples do at various times during their time together.”

“This would not have been possible without the artistry and incredible craftsmanship of Argo & Lehne Jewelers, along with their kindness and understanding of how important this was to us. We have decided, upon our deaths, to will our two rings to Argo & Lehne so that they may melt them down and perform, once again, their magic for our descendants in creating new masterpieces of love and longevity.”

Here is a couple who literally “banded together” in a time of need.

Can it really be Fall already? Crisp biting air, the thick smell of leaves burning, bubbly pots of stew on the stove. Yes, Fall has certainly arrived. Donning hearty sweaters, your favorite skinny jeans, and boots may have you feeling the Fall vibe. One of the most effective ways to spruce up last year’s waredrobe is with this year’s accessories. Here are our top 5 picks of the season:

1. Soft, Sweet Hues

We love a soft pink or mint green accessory paired with cream or winter-white. Or, go for a matchy-matchy look with a pastel sweater and accessories in the same color. Imagine our Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring paired with a fluffy pink cable knit and your favorite pair of jeans.

2. Dark Romance

Emily Bronte’s classic dark romance, Wuthering Heights servers are inspiration of this Fall/Winter 2013 trend. Think baroque beauties draped in dark metal jewelry and rich colored gemstones. No you have it. Better yet, picture this vintage amethyst number poised just at the right spot to bounce color light around your face.

Or, throw these vintage sapphire drops on like you wear them everyday. Nothing is sexier than a woman who knows how to wear her jewels. Hello, Heathcliff!

3. Hats off…or rather, hats on

Bad hair days have met their match, because hats are hot for Fall. Oh yes, ladies, fedoras are not just for the boys anymore. We love this look with a crisp, starched oxford, corduroys in an autumnal hue , and riding boots.

And, what looks better that you under a sassy hat? You under a sassy hot with a strategically perched vintage brooch perched above! How about adding a little whimsy with this guy:

Or, go sophisticated with a classic piece that easily transitions to your favorite LBD. Nothing says it quite like platinum, diamonds, and sapphires in a beautiful graphic shape.

4. Unique Gemstones

“My, what type of stone is that?” This is what you want to hear from strangers and friends alike. We love the classics, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst. Heck, how could Elizabeth Taylor have been wrong all those years? No, please do not mistake our obsession with the rarely seen as a dismissal of the rare and beautiful. This season classic designers such as Oscar de la Renta to Matthew Williamson showed rare gems on the runway. A little something like this might be just the ticket:

Or, perhaps a Jade piece to keep them guessing.

5. Structured, architectural metals

Consider pairing loose flowing layers or crepes and soft cashmere with structured metal jewelry. It’s this juxtaposition of soft and hard that designers return to year after year.

Chic.

Pop in the store to find all the pieces we featured in this Fall/Winter Accessories Trend Report. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think and which trends you’re loving this season.