KJ Couples: Alyssa and Richard

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

We love your love! That is why we have decided to reach out to a few of our amazing Kasia Family members, new and returning, to tell their stories. Love is powerful, beautiful, diverse, and worthy of honoring through your unique story. By sharing these openly with you, we intend to spread joy in a time when we need it the most. We understand the privilege it is to be a part of your story, and we hope the sincerity of these couples will reflect the very special relationships we aim to have with everyone who walks through our doors (whether in-person or virtually).

Next up, we have Alyssa & Richard. A sweet story to act as a reminder that what's meant for you will never pass you by...

 

When did you know that your partner was THE ONE?

Richard: Shortly after I graduated high school, I joined the military and got stationed in Okinawa for two years. Alyssa stayed in California to complete her bachelors degree. Long distance was tough at the time, but we made it work. Eventually, we planned to visit each other halfway in Hawaii. After a series of virtual sunsets through FaceTime, we finally got to watch our first sunset together in person. That’s when I knew she was the one. 

What is one thing you love about your significant other?

Richard: There are so many things to love about Alyssa. If I could choose one, I would definitely say her cooking. Alyssa is filipino and learned how to cook filipino foods from her grandparents. The best way to describe it, other than the delicious flavors, is that her cooking is made with love. 

What is an activity you love to do together?

Alyssa: We love roadtrips! Sometimes our roadtrips are planned and other times they are spontaneous. For us, it is all about the journey rather than the destination. We love car karaoke, finding unique coffee shops, stopping at random places, and taking pictures at picturesque views! 

How did you two meet? 

Alyssa: Richard and I met in the fabulous city of Las Vegas, NV! While one’s first thought might be at the casino, fate actually brought us together at our high school’s tennis courts during try-outs! We were matched to play against each other, one-on-one. Ultimately, I lost to Richard. From that friendly match a beautiful friendship blossomed! Eventually, our friendship evolved into a relationship and then marriage. This year will mark 4 years married and a total of 9 years together. He is my high school sweetheart! 

How did he propose?

Richard: We were driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with Alyssa’s college friends and stopped at a beach in Malibu. We strolled along the water admiring the scenery and wildlife around the area. Of course, Alyssa’s friends knew what was about to happen. After we found the right spot, Alyssa’s friend suggested to take a picture to capture the view. While Alyssa stood there smiling at the camera, I went down on one knee. She turned around and I asked, “Will you?” I was so nervous that I did not even complete the full sentence (haha!). Even so, Alyssa was so happy, she immediately said, “Yes!”, and the rest was history! 

How does Kasia Jewelry fit into your story?

Richard: They say diamonds are a girls best friend but Alyssa loves emeralds (especially since they are her birthstone). We discovered Kasia Jewelry a couple years ago. It was a year after our wedding and I wanted to get Alyssa an anniversary gift. After some research, I got Alyssa a beautiful emerald ring, the Large Diana ring. My first anniversary gift to her and our first Kasia piece! 

Alyssa: When I picked up the Diana ring, I got a chance to meet Kasia. She was so welcoming, friendly, and sweet. In fact, the whole Kasia team is really amazing! Anytime I had a question or inquiry, they were always there to help. Fast forward a couple of years, I was distraught after losing my original wedding band. Because we had such a great experience with Kasia, I got in touch with their stylist virtually (we moved across the country) to find a new wedding band that would pair well with my original engagement ring. Later on that year, we ended up upgrading my engagement ring to the Rosemary ring (as a push present!). The stylist was so helpful in finding the perfect ring to pair with my small Aja wedding band. 

Richard: Then of course, one day Alyssa was browsing through Instagram and saw that they launched a couple of new pieces. She fell in love with the Gianna ring (see? She loves emeralds!) So, as an early anniversary gift, and well because she simply deserved it, I surprised her with it! 

Alyssa: Kasia makes beautiful jewelry from necklaces to rings! Not only that, her team is wonderful. One thing I look forward to (other than future pieces haha!) is to pass down these beautiful pieces to my daughter, Tala, as family heirlooms.

Family Portrait by Sydney Elizabeth French 

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What Would Kasia Do? WWKD

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

Our office is small but mighty. Mighty to the point of creating an internal office phrase we would like to elaborate on in this blog post- “What Would Kasia Do?” aka “WWKD?” This is something we often find ourselves asking when navigating all sorts of unique interactions in the world of fine jewelry; but what does it truly mean to ask “WWKD”? In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to learn the true meaning behind it...  

HOW IT STARTED

Through over 15 years of experience in the industry under her belt, raw passion, and creative direction unlike any other, Kasia has brought new meaning to what fine jewelry is and how it is meant to be a part of us. Her one-of-a-kind or carefully curated designs, strict eye for detail and unorthodox way of merging modern trends with timeless elements has been a pillar for many of our clients in identifying their own “voice” when it comes to building their jewelry stories. Allow us to give you a glimpse into the mindset behind the magic!

ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY

Kasia Jewelry does not fall into the category of your typical jewelry store. We break the stigma. We go against the grain. We “Create Our Own Story”, celebrating self-expression everyday and inviting our clients to do the same! That’s what has led to the incredible network of ever so growing KJ Family members we have today that found us through seeking unconventional, nontraditional designs, highly-praised, personalized expert styling, and intimacy through appointment-based interactions. 


Now that we have a better understanding of the question, let’s walk through 3 frequent questions that lead us right back to “WWKD?”:

#1 - CAN I WEAR MY JEWELRY ALL DAY?

Yes but...no. All depends on the type of jewelry we're talking about, with rings being the most vulnerable, as they reside on our most dynamic body part - hand. You may have also heard us say it before, and we’ll always stand behind the “fine jewelry has FINE in it for a reason”. While we understand that most jewelry-wearers today have a preference for having their jewelry be a part of them, we truly believe that pieces are best worn like a pair of really nice shoes; you take them off when you get home and put them back on before venturing out into the world (leave rings at home for your favorite Pilates, Yoga or Gym classes or Costco runs though).

Be sure to read through our Jewelry Care blog for more tips on how to best treat your treasured heirlooms. 

#2 - CAN I MIX OR SHOULD I KEEP IT MATCHED?

Mixing is a MUST. If you know us, you know we’re not the biggest fans of a “matchy matchy” look. Bringing contrast, definition and character in any stack (rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings included) is essential in building a balanced and versatile personal collection. 

Whether you're mixing metals, statement and dainty pieces, or even textures, know that it is certainly something Kasia would do! 

#3 - WOULD YOU GO BOLD OR KEEP IT SIMPLE?

We’ll always sway toward bold styles, however, there’s room for both, especially if you have the right pieces to do so within your jewelry reserve. We're all about championing a mixed element into any jewelry story, bold with simple styles included. If there’s anything Kasia would NOT do, it's being predictable with her jewelry stylings. Keep it fun, keep in interesting but always intentional. Whether you’re dressing up or dressing down, jewelry is the easiest way to refine any look - regardless of how bold you go… but as we always say, more is MORE. 


With all of this in mind, we hope the next time you consider how to style, select, or even redesign a piece, you’ll take a moment to ask yourself, “What Would Kasia Do" as we keep it in mind on the daily. 

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KJ Couples: Meredith and Ryan

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

We love your love! That is why we have decided to reach out to a few of our amazing Kasia Family members, new and returning, to tell their stories. Love is powerful, beautiful, diverse, and worthy of honoring through your unique story. By sharing these openly with you, we intend to spread joy in a time when we need it the most. We understand the privilege it is to be a part of your story, and we hope the sincerity of these couples will reflect the very special relationships we aim to have with everyone who walks through our doors (whether in-person or virtually).

Next up, we have Meredith & Ryan. A story of true alignment for two star(sports)-crossed lovers!

 

When did you know that your partner was THE ONE?

It was early on in our relationship, but she got us tickets to the Penn State vs Maryland football game (both of our respective universities) in 2018 and we were to stay at her friends' house in State College while they were out of town. We ended up showing up locked out of the house without a key and had to break into the house with me lifting her up to get into an unlocked window. Once inside we were supposed to just change and go down to the tailgate but we ended up just sitting in the kitchen and talking for 3 hours and before we knew it, it was halftime and we hadn’t moved at all. It was one of the best days I have ever had and it takes a lot for either of us to miss a MD or PSU football game. 

What is one thing you love about your significant other?

Her compassion for other people, ability to strive to understand, and ability to make me a better person. They are traits that I feel are harder and harder to come by and she exemplifies them to her core. There is not a day that goes by where I am not a better person with her by my side and I have found myself being much more empathetic towards others.

What is an activity you love to do together?

Going on walks in the morning. Whether that is where we live in DC, down at the beach on the eastern shore of Maryland, or a new destination we have traveled to, we make a point to wake up and go on a walk together in the morning before the day gets going. It has always been our alone time with each other no matter our schedule and our chance to start every day stress free and happy. These are my favorite part of every day. 

How did you two meet? 

We are a Bumble success story! We met on Bumble in Baltimore in 2018 and after a few failed attempts to actually get her to agree to go on a date with me (she dodged me a few times) we finally met up for tacos after a Ravens vs Steelers game in October. Neither of us were looking for a relationship at the time, but we quickly became the people that did everything together and have been inseparable ever since.  

How did he propose?

It was November and I lined up for us to have a weekend at the beach with our closest friends (her best friend that grew up with her and her husband who were both in on it) who we hadn’t been able to hang out with down there in a little bit. Her best friend Sam took her for a girls day on Saturday and were going to rejoin the boys for happy hour in the evening. Meanwhile, I had lined up for a few of our closest friends and immediate family to show up that day while they were having their girls day. On their way back to the house, I brought everyone out to a beach along the bay in the back of our neighborhood and had them hide behind some bushes out of site from where she would be arriving. When she called and said they were on their way to pick us up from happy hour I said Owen (Sam’s husband) and I were on the back beach with their son, Sunny, and wanted them to join us for sunset pictures before happy hour. She came walking out to the back beach with Sam behind her and was seemingly confused when she saw just Owen and I on the beach without Sunny. She then saw flowers I had laid in the sand and then ran out to join me where I then proposed. Afterward, our friends and family came out from their hiding places and joined us, which I was somehow able to keep as a complete surprise. 

How does Kasia Jewelry fit into your story?

Meredith has been an admirer of Kasia’s jewelry for years and would always send me posts on instagram and talk about how much she loved your style. I loved the style as well and knew for a while before I proposed that I had to get the engagement ring from Kasia. The hardest part was lining up how I would get the ring without her knowing, but I was able to arrange to attend a work conference in San Diego for a few days and then purchased the ring before my travel and picked it up while I was out there, sneaking it home in my work bag. There was no doubt in our minds we were going back to Kasia for our wedding bands, and boy do we not regret that. The ring and bands are gorgeous. 

Photography by Josh Fernandez

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The 2023 Ultimate Gift Guide

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

‘Tis the season of giving and this year, we’re here to help you make even last minute gifts, ones to last a lifetime.


In this Gift Guide, you’ll meet some of our most giftable pieces of 2023, sure to carry into every year to come  - all Ready-To-Ship in time* to make those holiday wishes come true!


The Yadira Ring series is one of the newest styles to join the collection. Coming in three different enamel colors including black, teal, and light blue, this Right Hand or Nontraditional Engagement Ring is meant to make an IMPACT. Featuring a 1.5ct White Topaz center stone and 0.12tcw diamond halo, in a geometric, elongated silhouette, she is a culmination of all things edgy and vintage-inspired

  


Our Yarim band has long been a collection staple for its timeless design and minimalistic flare. A highly stackable and versatile piece, this half band features Emeralds and Diamonds. Perfect for our May babies or the Emerald-lover who appreciates the gemstone’s beauty and symbolism - a magnet of inspiration, balance, wisdom, and patience. Prefer pops of blue? Take a look at this piece’s sister, Kira band featuring Blue Sapphires in place of Emeralds.


This sure-to-be-heirloom is on all of our wish lists this year! The Cheyenne bracelet is a fresh take on your typical bangle. With 31 round diamonds totalling 0.67tcw and metal-forward settings for added dimension, this wrist candy must adds an effortless amount of sparkle to any layered bracelet story. Wearable for a dressed up or casual look, and a great gift idea for your someone special - be it mom, partner, or best friend!


Next up, we’re going back to pops of colors with two statement necklaces that are truly best described as wearable art. Meet Marika and Keegan - gemstone QUEENS meant for the eclectic jewelry-lovers who appreciate one-of-a-kind staples in their personal collection. Marika showcases an incredible array of various Tourmalines including a Watermelon Tourmaline haloed by a small diamond frame. Similarly, the Keegan is a drop down style featuring Tourmalines as well as Lemon Quartz, Peridot and Baguette Diamonds. 

 

Both drop down (and drop dead gorgeous) styles to gift and make a statement this holiday season. 


Yuki earrings are the ultimate “treat yourself” token to celebrate the year passed and the New Year to come! Show up to the season’s festivities in your new go-to accessory - and be prepared for all the “omg where did you get those?!” coming your way…


This ultimate gift guide wouldn’t be complete without the diamond necklace of our dreams, Estelle necklace. A true staple in any fine jewelry-lover’s collection with an heirloom quality that’s undeniable. Sure to make this year one to remember forever.


However you celebrate, we wish you a Happy Holidays, #KJFam - and Happy Shopping… 

*Must be ordered from Ready-To-Ship collection by Thursday, 12/14/23 to guarantee delivery before Christmas.

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KJ Couples: Carolyn and Juan

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

We love your love! That is why we have decided to reach out to a few of our amazing Kasia Family members, new and returning, to tell their stories. Love is powerful, beautiful, diverse and worthy of honoring through your unique story. By sharing these openly with you, we intend to spread joy in a time when we need it the most. We understand the privilege it is to be a part of your story, and we hope the sincerity of these couples will reflect the very special relationships we aim to have with everyone who walks through our doors (whether in-person or virtually).

Next up, we have Carolyn & Juan. Two carefree spirits whose love story is one of patience and fate. (Grab your tissues... this is a good one!)

When did you know that your partner was THE ONE?

This is a really hard question for us, because we both agree that there wasn’t one single moment when we decided we were the one for each other. It was a slow burn that happened over multiple years, through gained trust, loving encounters, and intentional conversations. Slowly but surely, we both knew that the other person was someone who was always there, always cared, and always pushed the other to be the best version of themselves.

What is one thing you love about your significant other?

Carolyn’s  favorite thing about my Juan is how patiently loving he is. I have a big personality and big emotions, and not only does he love that side of me and encourage me to show and feel every part of it, but he helps me through it as well. He doesn’t only love me through the ups and the downs, but he loves me because of who I am in the ups and the downs, and I am forever thankful for that.

Juan’s favorite thing about Carolyn is how she can be friends with everyone. Carolyn has a very big heart, and is extremely intentional about being there for everyone she can. When a friend needs something, she’s one of the people who’s able to know before they have to ask, and will go out of her way to be there for them. She’s such a people person and it makes me fall in love with her even more.

What is an activity you love to do together?

Lately, we’ve loved reading together! We both snuggle up with our own books, and spend hours cuddling while experiencing the magic of our own worlds. Whenever we get to a particularly good part in our book, we’ll excitedly tell eachother about it, and share that part with each other. It’s simple, but it’s so fun, and something we both look forward to.

Besides that, we’re both pretty big foodies and love to cook together, or go find trendy restaurants to get good food and drinks together. Nothing beats a good meal, good drinks, and good conversation. <3

How did you two meet? (Give us as many details as you’d like!)

Juan and Carolyn met while working at a video game company called Blizzard. Carolyn would often go into Juan's office to chit-chat. One day she asked Juan if he was going to BlizzCon (the company's yearly gaming convention) that year, and when Juan replied that he might not, she adamantly insisted that he go with her brother, Compton, and their friends. 

That's when the sparks began to fly... between Juan and Compton. While their bromance shined brightly, all Carolyn could think of was how happy she was that Compton was making a new friend. 

Unbeknownst to her, everyone else in the group could tell that Juan was crushing on her during the entire event.

At this point, Juan and Carolyn had been texting constantly since BlizzCon (she was starting to realize she also had a crush on Juan). One day during work, Carolyn realized that one of her favorite bands was having a concert that night in LA. The only problem was that she had no one to go with (yet). She did what any scheming girl with a crush would do: she invited Juan.

One abrupt office visit later, Juan was driving Carolyn through rush hour downtown LA traffic to see a small band he had never heard of. After the concert ended, they decided to get dinner at a diner across the street. After getting seated and ordering food, Juan (being oblivious) didn't realize that the waitress was hitting on him. Meanwhile, Carolyn finally realized, "Oh no, I really like this guy and I don't like that he's being hit on!" So she went to the bathroom and texted her best friend, Haley, that she thinks she was on a date. When asked how the date was going she replied, "It's the best date I've ever been on!!!"

P.S. Juan and the waitress did not live happily ever after - but Carolyn and Juan did.

How did he/she propose?

With plans to visit their friend Sam and his family in Italy, Juan and Carolyn added stops in Greece and Switzerland to their itinerary. Carolyn knew Juan was planning on proposing during the trip, but Juan had been scheming for months so she wouldn't know when and where it would be.

Their trip started in Greece and on the second day, Juan told Carolyn that they were going to dinner on the neighboring island, Paros. They put on their Sunday Best (it actually was a Sunday) and took a ferry that afternoon. When they arrived, Juan told Carolyn that he wanted to scope out a beautiful place to catch the sunset before dinner. He led her to a location overlooking the water, and while she was excitedly taking in the views, he was frantically trying to get the ring out of his pocket.

The next thing she knew, Carolyn turned around to see Juan down on one knee holding the most stunning diamond ring she had ever seen, asking her to be his wife. Now, here's the fun bit. Carolyn had previously asked Juan to write a sentimental speech when proposing. Right after Juan started the speech, Carolyn became a blubbering mess, asked him if he was sure several times, and interrupted his speech with a kiss. He never did get to ask, "Will you marry me?"

After that, Juan introduced Carolyn to the photographer he hired, who captured the moment and surprised her with a photo shoot tour of the island for their engagement photos. The rest of the night was spent with amazing Greek food and wine, celebrating the best day of their lives - so far!

How does Kasia Jewelry fit into your story?

This is the fun part. Carolyn had grown up seeing her mom’s beautiful wedding band - a simple round diamond solitaire, with symmetrical stacks on either side. Carolyn knew she wanted something similar, and spent months and months searching, hand drawing designs, and trying to find the perfect stack to complement her engagement ring.

After giving up and realizing that she’ll probably have to custom design her wedding band stack, her best friend randomly sent her Kiasia’s instagram page. They knew immediately that they had struck gold. After Carolyn stalked the entire website looking at every single option, Juan set up an appointment for them to go look at the rings in person.

We knew that we wanted something like Mika, Ang, Aimee, or Liv, so we went into the shop with a mission to find the perfect combination. Sara was so sweet, fun, and helpful in finding different pairings for us to try! She helped us understand how the different bands played off each other from a design standpoint, and made narrowing down our decision so much easier. We ended up going between Rachel+Yana or Mika+Ulla, but ultimately went with the Mika+Ulla pairing. I was absolutely in love, relieved, and could not wait to wear them!!! Now every time I see my wedding stack, I think about how I found a perfect modern stack that fits my fun 20something style now, but I can also see it when I’m old and wrinkly with the love of my life. Kasia brought my dream ring to life and I’m forever thankful!!!

Photography by Rowan Noelle

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