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Hey everyone!

We feel as though we haven't best utilized our blogging abilities to our full potential. We have taken on a new challenge and are inviting you to come along. We are now found at INFO.DAYSJEWELERS.COM where we are going to continue to grow and build our blogging environment.

Our new blog - Jewelry 201 - is all about education, tips, trends, and the jewelry industry. We will be taking customer requests too! So any questions you have please let us know.

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Named America's Best Jeweler 2010 - Day's Jewelers

New York—America's Best Jewelers, the fine jewelry trade's only retailer-exclusive social network, has announced the list of 39 jewelers nationwide that have earned the "America's Best Jewelers 2010" designation through their high level of operational excellence.

Produced and administered by National Jeweler, the America's Best Jewelers program qualifies winning jewelers through a comprehensive benchmarking survey conducted in partnership with the Jewelers of America's (JA) annual "Cost of Doing Business" survey. Launched in 2008, the ABJ program provides an avenue for jewelers to share successful strategies with their peers, offering a fresh approach to the educational offerings available to the jewelry retail community. Members meet to share best practices face-to-face at facilitated panel session conferences at the JA New York and Couture jewelry shows and online at ABJNetwork.com.

"Jewelers recognized with the America's Best Jewelers designation this year were judged on their performance in 2009, which, as we all know, was an especially challenging year for our business," said Whitney Sielaff, National Jeweler editorial director and ABJ program administrator. "These companies proved themselves through that trying period, demonstrating they could maintain excellence in disciplines across the full range of jewelry retaining operations, from human resources to marketing and financial performance. It's inspirational to know that well-run companies can maintain high standards even when the going gets tough. Congratulations to all these fine jewelers."

Jewelers receive the America's Best Jewelers designation in one of two categories—Couture and Independents—based on factors including size, style of operation and range of product carried. For 2010, 17 companies earned the designation in the Couture category, and 22 earned it in the Independents category. The lists include both repeat winners from past years as well as emerging retail stars.

The winners in the Couture category for 2010 are:
- Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches, El Paso, Texas
- Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers, Gross Pointe Woods, Mich.
- Ben David Jewelers, Danville, Va.
- Nancy And David Fine Jewels, Millburn, N.J.
- Day's Jewelers, Waterville, Me.
- Vincent's Jewelers, Creve Coeur, Mo.
- Mountz Jewelers, Carlisle, Pa.
- E.E. Robbins - Engagement & Wedding Rings, Seattle
- R.F. Moeller Jeweler, St. Paul, Minn.
- Blue Marlin Jewelry, Islamorada, Fla.
- Lasker Jewelers, Eau Claire, Wisc.
- Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc., Laguna Beach, Calif.
- Nelson Coleman Jewelers, Towson, Md.
- Ware Jewelers, Auburn, Ala.
- Harold Stevens Jewelers, San Diego
- Harold Jaffe Jewelers, Toledo, Ohio
- Houston Jewelry, Houston

Brian Quigley - Master Jeweler Extraordinaire

It was an exciting moment indeed to receive notification from Jewelers of America Inc. that Brian Quigley achieved Master Jeweler Certification. Brian, who works in both our Auburn and South Portland stores, has been a goldsmith and jewelry designer for over 30 years. Three years ago he set out on a personal mission to achieve the highest level of bench jeweler certification in the jewelry industry. In fact, since the certification program was established about 15 years ago, only 130 goldsmiths in the United States have been certified at this level. Brian is the first in New England.

Not only is Brian a master at his trade, but he is a true gentleman…. one of the kindest and caring men I know. His tenacity and attention to detail are impeccable. Brian’s passion is to work one on one with our customers to design a unique piece of jewelry with meaning that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve watched Brian take test after test required for certification. I saw his disappointment after working many tireless hours on a piece of jewelry only to have it rejected by Jewelers of America because one stone was off-set by a tenth of a millimeter. Myself and the entire Day’s team salutes Brian Quigley with deep respect and admiration for this incredible accomplishment.

To learn more about Brian Quigley, click here. If you’re considering having a special piece of jewelry created for yourself, email me and I’d be happy to set up a free consultation with Brian. I must forewarn that he’ll want to hear your whole life story.

Garnet: January's Birthstone

Garnet received its name from the ancient Greeks because its crimson color reminded them of the "granatum" (pomegranate seed). It comes in a variety of colors but is best known for its radiant red shade. Less popular than the brilliant red gemstone are Grape Garnet (slightly purple), Mandarin Garnet (orange) and Green Garnet (bright green and sometimes referred to as Tsavorite). Garnets are actually a group of six "species" of stones and are hybrids of mineral crossings.

Garnet has a fascinating glass-like luster that is said to be a guide for travelers in the night. Legend has it that Garnet will protect soldiers in battle and prove a giver's loyalty and affection to its wearer.

This January birthstone ranks a 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness) and is acceptable for everyday wear. The most valuable Garnet is capable of changing color under different lighting conditions. Garnet is one of the very few gemstones that do not need any type of enhancement or treatment because it is so naturally beautiful after being cut.

8 Reasons to Purchase a Diamond at Day's

For almost 100 years, Day's Jewelers has been buying diamonds directly from the world's most experienced diamond cutters. This commitment to quality, combined with a century of experience is what separates Day's Jewelers from online diamond peddlers.



1. Diamond Experts

Day's Jewelers has the largest percentage of Certified diamond consultants from the Diamond Council of America , than any other jeweler in America . All of our stores have trained employees or Graduate Gemologists from the Gemological Institute of America . Every one of our stores has Master Goldsmiths and Jewelry Designers on staff to provide you the highest level of diamond setting and jewelry craftsmanship.



2. No Games

Day's does not play games with pricing. We offer our best price every day. No marking up the jewelry so we can put it on "sale". Check our prices. You'll find our daily price is almost always less than our competitors' sale price.



3. Internet Pricing

We price our loose diamonds at or below what you will find on the internet. No other jeweler dares make that promise. Go ahead. Put us to the test.



4. Warranty

You do not need to purchase an extended warranty from Day's. We warranty all of our jewelry for life at no extra charge. Day's also employs full time goldsmiths at each location. No need to send your jewelry out for repair, we do it on site.



5. Diamonds from Clean Sources

In compliance with the United Nation Resolution, Day's assures you that every diamond we purchase comes with a written guarantee that diamonds are sourced from non-conflict areas.



6. We have connections

Day's buys diamonds directly from diamond mines and diamond cutters from all over the world for the very best prices. If we don't have exactly what you're looking for, our diamond consultants will find the perfect diamond from our world-wide sources. We've sold more diamonds than any other jewelry company in Northern New England.



7. You can trade it in

You can bring your center diamond in at any time and trade it in towards a diamond of 25% greater value. Other jewelers make you spend 50-100% of your diamond's value.



8. You're the boss.

When you buy a diamond from Day's Jewelers, you're the boss. You can tell us what you have in mind specifically, and be intimately involved with the selection process, or you can simply tell us what your budget and occasion are, and allow us to select a diamond for you.

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Day’s Jewelers Brings Family Values to Manchester

MANCHESTER, NH- Joe Corey, son of Day’s Jewelers owners Jeffery and Kathy Corey, has been selected as a member of the management team at Day’s Jeweler’s in Manchester.. The aspiring manager had interest in the family business at a young age, spending many holidays alongside his parents in the stores. Now it is his turn to manage his own team following in the footsteps of his parents.

“It is a rare occurrence that a family can run a successful business for so long”, Corey’s father, Jeff Corey, who is President and CEO of Day’s Jewelers explains. “Day’s has been a family business for nearly 100 years. I’m pleased that my son has chosen a career with our company ensuring a continuity of the family tradition at Day’s.” Jeff Corey continued, “We are very proud of him and excited to see what he can do for the Manchester community and the company. I am especially thrilled that Joe will work under the tutelage of Sascha Barth, our Store Manager in Manchester. With more than 17 years of experience in the jewelry industry, Sascha is an exceptionally knowledgeable jewelry professional.”

Joe Corey became certified as a diamontologist by the Diamond Council of America in 2008. In April of 2010 he became certified as a colored stone specialist by the DCA. Most recently, he completed trainings for both Citizen and Seiko watches and has plans to take GIA courses in the near future. Joe Corey’s excitement and motivation are sure to inspire all around him and continue to make Day’s Manchester location a place all people would like to visit.

Continuing with the family tradition is Joe Corey’s uncle, and brother to Jeff Corey, Jim Corey who is currently the manager of the Bangor, Maine Day’s Jewelers. He too, is excited to see another member of his family involved in the management team. Day’s emphasizes the importance of tradition and wholesome values in a generation that may tend to overlook these fundamental beliefs. The Corey family extends beyond management to include all of the communities they serve by treating all customers as a part of their family.

Day’s Jewelers has six physical store locations in Maine and New Hampshire as well as a full e-commerce website, www.daysjewelers.com. The Manchester store is located on 66 March Avenue (T.J. Maxx Plaza off South Willow Street). With almost 10,000 square feet of selling space and over 100 showcases, it is one of the largest jewelry stores in New England. All Day’s stores feature complete jewelry repair and jewelry design services and offer fine jewelry for every budget and occasion. Day’s Jewelers, a Maine based company, was founded in Portland in 1914 and employs 140 people in Maine and New Hampshire. Day’s is owned by Kathy, Jim and Jeff Corey with headquarters in Waterville, Maine.


To learn more about Day’s Jewelers visit: www.daysjewelers.com

December's Birthstone

This gorgeous golden toned gemstone was first made fashionable as jewelry by Russians throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. A silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine, it is often found amongst granite rocks. Most Topaz is discovered in very light shades and is typically it is found in South America, but also maintains a presence in Sri Lanka , Africa and China .

Topaz is legendary for improving vision and breaking spells or charms. The ancient Greeks believed it could make a person stronger if he or she was wearing it. People from Egypt believed it was a gift from the god of the sun because of its illuminating, golden glow.

A yellow birthstone for November, Topaz is simultaneously the birthstone for December in its blue form. Though the stone can be a wide variety of colors it is most prized as blue, yellow or pink. Some rare varieties of Topaz are pastel pink and sherry red.

Ranked an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness), Topaz is suitable for every day wear but is susceptible to damage from a hard strike or blow. Heat or low-grade irradiation is a permanent treatment often used to bring out the utmost brilliancy of the stone's color.

Botswana Diamonds

For more than 100 years, diamonds have been stripped from these poor African countries and immediately sent out to other parts of the world to be cut and polished. For the first time in history, a diamond is sourced, cut and polished in a single African nation so the people of that country are able to fully benefit. This is the concept named “beneficiation”. Kathy and I were in Africa last Fall. We saw the terrible poverty first hand. It is a wonderful feeling to know that we truly can make a difference in our world.

Best of all, our help was not a handout. A Botswanan citizen created a beautiful diamond and offered it for sale at a fair price. You purchased this diamond to commemorate a special relationship. It is a great story. "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".
This is a very exciting time in history for Day’s Jewelers as well as for the entire diamond industry. "Made in Botswana" diamonds are now available in all of our Day’s Jewelers locations.

Citrine

The name "Citrine" comes from the French word, "citron", which means lemon. Appropriately designated this name, Citrine's bright and golden hues represent those that are similar to that of the common citrus fruit. Its intense brightness and shine can compliment almost any color and style, but especially polished gold (AGTA).

A variety of quartz mineral, Citrine is sometimes jokingly called "Amethyst's daughter". This earthy gemstone is said to be capable of banishing evil thoughts from the mind and balance one's inner emotions and intuition, thus bringing its wearer harmony and peace of mind.

One of November's birthstones, Citrine is primarily found in Brazil and Zambia (AGTA). Citrine ranks 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine Gem hardness) and is acceptable for everyday wear. Citrine that appears to have traces of brown coloring is heated to permanently set in its bright yellow and orange hues.

Learn About October's Birthstone

A flashy stone that captures the colors of the rainbow, Opal is one of the few mineraloids used in fine jewelry making. Considered by Australians as their national gemstone, Opal can occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock and have even been found embedded with fossils.

Most Opal from around the world comes in a variety of colors, each having its own classification. Dark or Black Opal, White or Light Opal, Milk or Crystal Opal, Boulder Opal, Opal Matrix, "Picture Stones" and Mexican or Fire Opal are all different types based on their different appearances. Each category of Opal has its own signature color spectrum. An Opal which displays the most color reflection is most prized by the jewelry industry and those that wear it.

Additionally one of the birthstones for October, Opal is thought to bring about good fortune and melt away sadness and negative feelings from its wearer.

Opal is a softer gemstone, ranking 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness) and should be worn with care.