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...
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
]]>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!
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?”:
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.
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!
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.
]]>Next up, we have Meredith & Ryan. A story of true alignment for two star(sports)-crossed lovers!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
]]>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.
]]>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!)
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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
]]>In all of our diamond pieces, we are very intentional in our decision to strictly use natural diamonds. Here’s why…
Mother Nature’s Wonders Simply Cannot Be Replicated
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission defines diamond as “essentially pure carbon.”4 While diamond is typically about 99.95% carbon, the other 0.05% can include trace elements which may influence shape or color.5 For example, nitrogen can impart a yellowish color while boron can give a rare blue hue.6 Additionally, natural diamonds usually contain inclusions, which are internal features to the stone that have an effect on its clarity.7 A narrow understanding of diamond rarity paints inclusions as “imperfections,” which is a perspective we couldn’t share less. Just take our Monica Ring - her 2.12ct “Salt & Pepper” Round Brilliant natural Diamond has the most striking inclusions that effectively serve as a unique fingerprint and create a mesmerizing high-depth, high-contrast look. One might even argue that while diamonds graded “Flawless” are widely considered the most rare, because no two diamonds can ever have the exact same inclusions, that makes them the rarest of all. Trace elements and inclusions are two key ways that gemologists are able to distinguish synthetic from natural diamonds. Beyond the microscope, when it’s natural, you can almost feel a sense of the miracle that went into the stone’s formation - all of the many factors that lined up at just the right time in just the right place to create a truly one of a kind thing of organic beauty.
Rarity Dictates Value
Like other markets, when it comes to diamonds, rarity and value have a direct relationship, meaning when one goes up so does the other. But who defines rare? By any standards, lab-grown diamonds do not fit the bill. Because the formation process has been converted into a scientific formula that can be carried out to match any level of demand - in other words, because lab-grown diamonds can be mass-produced - they are not great candidates for your investment. In fact, according to Business Wire, “since there is no rarity attached to them, the value of lab grown diamonds will continue to depreciate in forecasted years, negatively impacting the resale value of these diamonds and making it more costly to upgrade them in the future.”8 We do everything we can to help your KJ pieces last - from education on proper wear and care, to offering complimentary jewelry “checkups,” to performing proactive adjustments and repair work. Therefore we have a vested interest in making sure your diamond jewelry has the best chance of withstanding the test of time from a financial standpoint as well, which does require us to work exclusively with natural diamonds.
Environmental Considerations
Many who find themself with moral concerns related to the impact of diamond mining on the climate are quick to turn to lab-grown diamonds as the more “sustainable” solution. However, the reality is that the energy usage of laboratories mass-producing synthetic diamonds can be considerably greater than with mined diamonds. Some state that “the most efficient producers of diamonds require approx. 250kwh of electricity to grow a 1-carat lab diamond, which is the same amount of electricity the average U.S. household uses in 8.7 days.”9 Now compare that to the findings of environmental professor Saleem Ali, who writes that “Australia’s Argyle mine uses 7 kWh to produce 1 ct., De Beers’ operations use 80.3 kWh per ct., and Diavik uses 66 kWh per ct.”10 Numbers will vary depending on location and source, and it is true that both mining and lab operations require energy and emit carbon to at least some extent that is harmful to the environment. However, what we would invite you to consider is this in conjunction with what was previously mentioned about resale value - while lab-grown diamonds are marketed as the more “eco-friendly” alternative, the slim possibility of their greater environmental friendliness can be discounted in light of how they simply do not hold resale value, meaning new stones must constantly be produced to meet ever-growing demand. When you think about it this way, certainly natural diamonds, with the potential to be repurposed into cherished heirlooms, are the more sustainable option.
Last but certainly not least, there is something incredibly mystical, full of depth, soul and admiration that Kasia feels connected to and that such is coming from Mother Nature created stone, not a Lab created adaptation of such. After all, let's be authentic without pretending.
Ultimately, we don’t ever question that the stone selection is in the eye of the beholder. However, you should never feel that choosing between a natural and man-made diamond are your only options. We are proud to offer a diverse gemstone collection with pieces to match any price point, especially those more budget-conscious. Create your own story, whatever that means particularly to you.
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1https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005456/en/Global-Lab-Grown-Diamond-Market-Report-2023-Fall-in-Prices-of-Lab-Grown-Diamonds-Bolsters-Demand---ResearchAndMarkets.com 2https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/difference-between-natural-laboratory-grown-diamonds 3https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/difference-between-natural-laboratory-grown-diamonds 4https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/difference-between-natural-laboratory-grown-diamonds 5https://elearning-sample.s3.amazonaws.com/Diamond_Essentials_Sample/Page5.html 6https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/difference-between-natural-laboratory-grown-diamonds 7https://elearning-sample.s3.amazonaws.com/Diamond_Essentials_Sample/Page7.html 8https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005456/en/Global-Lab-Grown-Diamond-Market-Report-2023-Fall-in-Prices-of-Lab-Grown-Diamonds-Bolsters-Demand---ResearchAndMarkets.com 9https://medium.com/@Jason_Payne/mined-diamonds-vs-lab-diamonds-which-is-more-luxurious-an-open-letter-to-tiffany-co-c83688494179 10https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/lab-created-diamonds-eco-friendly/
]]>September babies (and gemstone admirers everywhere), did you know that the famously blue Sapphire can also be found in vibrant colors of violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, and even gray and black? Sapphires can be found in nearly every color besides Ruby red! Additionally, Sapphires can show two or more colors at once, which are referred to as “Parti Sapphires.” This is just one aspect of the stone that makes them so truly fascinating to us! Just take a look at this range of sapphire tones from our Colored Gemstone collection.
Rating a 9/10 on Mohs Hardness scale, Sapphires are a wonderful option for everyday wear. Perhaps one of the most famous engagement rings to ever have been, Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton wear a stunning oval Sapphire ring that has given the stone a forever royal feeling.
Historically, the most coveted Sapphires are found in the region of Kashmir, located in the Sumjam village (a province controlled by India). They are famous for their near-perfect qualities and deep, cornflower blue color. Australia is host to many Parti Sapphires as mentioned above, which typically range from yellow to green to blue. Montana Sapphires (mined right here in Montana, US) can range in color from deep teal to more pale or pastel blue/green hues, making them one of our favorite varieties.
If you wish to incorporate this diverse and captivating gemstone into your jewelry story, we’ve got you covered! Pictured below is our Micah necklace, Pasha ring, Neomi ring, Rahi ring, Joss ring, Kira band, Eternity Rainbow band, and our Tika band. Which vibrant Sapphire beauty is your favorite?
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 Aubrie & Jordan. Two adventurous spirits whose story of love and reconnection is sure to inspire!
When we decided to rekindle our flame after not speaking for nearly two years; I knew he was the one. We had been through so many ups and downs that I knew if we could make it through all that, then we could make it through anything together.
He is the most trustworthy person I know! Trust is so essential in a relationship and I just know that I can always count on him. He has been there for me time and time again.
We are big adventure buffs! We love snowboarding together in the winter and camping in the summer. Our love of getting outside often takes us to some incredible places.
We went to high school together oddly enough and had lots of mutual friends. At age 19, in our first years of college, we started dating. We were on and off for many years as we grew up. After college Jordan took a job in Arizona and I started a restaurant in our hometown in New Jersey. There was continual heartbreak over those years, but in 2019 Jordan was faced with a decision. He could either marry his Australian girlfriend so she could stay in the USA or let her leave. The ultimatum allowed him to realize that our love story was not over yet. In 2020 I moved to Arizona, we bought a home, adopted a dog and started our life together!
We went on a trip with my family to the island of Holbox in Mexico. It was gorgeous and we decided to watch the sunset and get some photos. While we were walking into the water he popped the question and we had the most amazing sunset, and popped champagne of course! The rest of the trip was pure bliss.
I wanted a wedding band that went perfectly with the amazing engagement set that Jordan proposed with. When I found the Kasia Cara band, it was the perfect compliment- something modern but still timeless! I have always loved fashion so I knew I wanted diamonds that were trend-focused, but that I would still love for a lifetime.
Photography by @jennyreneephoto
]]>Here at KJ, we believe in celebrating uniqueness by “Creating Your Own Story”. In our collection you’ll find an unparalleled selection of one-of-a-kind pieces, meant for the bride or jewelry lover seeking something unlike any other. From intricately designed necklaces and bracelets to unique let it be modern, contemporary or vintage inspired engagement rings and wedding bands - each piece is carefully crafted to showcase the natural wonders that lie within, echoing its composition. We believe in effortless style, comfort and individuality bringing to life enough pieces where each story can be suitable for each and all.
Aside from a wide range of style selections, we’re proud to offer several price options to suit any budget in our Ready-To-Ship collection, because we believe luxury should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or an investment piece, we ensure that you can find a piece which resonates with you - without ever compromising on quality or beauty.
If your vision stretches beyond our collection, we still have you covered! Book a Design Consultation and work one-on-one with Kasia herself, where you’ll be a part of the entire creation process - from stone selections all the way to final design, all while collaborating with the visionary who started it all. Either way, wearing a Kasia Jewelry piece, you embrace a distinct style that sets you apart from the rest.
We take pride in providing our clients with exceptional customer care, always! From purchase to pick up and years beyond, our team is always available to guide you through your jewelry journey. It begins with expert styling and attention to detail from the moment you walk through our oceanfront doors. Our team of stylists is carefully trained to cater to any aesthetic, lifestyle and budget to help you find your perfect addition.
It doesn’t end there though; we’re in it for the long haul! With an emphasis on finding practical styles and establishing your care routine, our team will educate you on proper maintenance from home to ensure the longevity of your special pieces for years to come. With any purchase, we’ll send you home with your own jewelry care instructions and some goodies to help maintain your treasures. Additionally, we invite our clients to come back every 6-months or so for complimentary "oil changes" or tune-ups. With exceptional attention to detail, our team carefully inspects and deeply cleans your jewelry - have peace of mind knowing your jewelry is in good hands while you explore the showroom for your next addition! In addition, we offer a limited 1 year in house warranty and offer insurance recommendations if you wish to further protect your fine jewelry.
Offering our showroom styling sessions and viewings on by appointment basis, we’ve had the pleasure of sharing some incredibly special, intimate moments with individuals and couples alike throughout the years. If there’s one thing we believe in, it’s that our clients are family; so we make it a point to get to know your story, personal likings, and even fur baby names (yes, we remember!) because each unique story makes up the whole of Kasia Jewelry. Thanks to these one-on-one sessions, we put all the focus and attention on YOU removing all the fine jewelry try on stigma all while enabling better understanding of your preferences and what comes with this - personalized styling suggestions. Unable to schedule an appointment? It's worth mentioning that we accommodate whenever possible, so next time you are in our seaside town, ring the doorbell - don’t be shy.
Once you’re a part of our Kasia Jewelry family, the relationship with us expands beyond these 110+ year old walls and a 40 minute appointment. We’ll keep up with your special occasions and maintain a profile of your wishlist items (making dropping hints for those moments way too easy) over the years, because your milestones matter to us! You may even find a piece named after you or a loved one at some point...
Maintaining its centurion charm through all things organic and raw, our showroom inside the historic Guild building is truly meant to create a relaxed, intimate space for you and loved ones to explore your next special addition. Settle in with your choice of rotational champagne, local beers or Kasia’s signature family recipe of Polish Vodka as you let your eyes wander the space and become immersed in all things beautiful.
After a personal session exploring the collection, we invite you to take in the serene ambiance of our near the water location, just a short three-minute walk from the breathtaking Pacific Ocean! Our showroom is nestled in the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea with eateries and drinks located within just minutes walking distance of the KJ home base. Explore and fall in love with the small town charm tucked away in what feels like our own special little corner of San Diego.
As you embark on your jewelry journey, we hope you choose Kasia Jewelry — a brand that embodies exceptional craftsmanship, unique experiences, and a commitment to nurturing lifelong relationships. From one-of-a-kind designs, flexible price ranges and custom work options to exceptional customer service and our serene oceanfront location, we aim to elevate your jewelry experience to a whole new level. So whether we’ve met or have yet to welcome you into our diamond playground, we look forward to helping Create Your Own Story through the years!
]]>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 Kate & Bethany. Two creative souls whose hearts merged during the most serendipitous time!
Bethany: Cliche, I know, but from the moment we first kissed I knew I wanted
to be with her forever. Being with Kate just makes me feel like home, and I
feel so connected to her that it seems like we have known each other for a
lifetime.
Kate: Sometimes you meet someone and there is just kind of “a knowing.” I
have always felt magnetized to her presence and I think we were always
meant to find each other eventually. We used to joke in the beginning that
we were on the same wavelength, but I do believe that to be true. I feel
the luckiest in life to have found someone that understands without needing
to explain, joins me in my humor and allows me to show up as the most
authentic version of myself.
Bethany: I love Kate’s sense of humor and how smart and quick-witted she
is. I feel like we are so good at making each other laugh, and I love that
she gets my sometimes weird and not-funny jokes. We smile and laugh a lot
together and it makes me so happy to be with her.
Kate: Bethany is brilliant, creative, intuitive and always inspires me. We
are both very goal oriented, and it’s a gift to be with someone that
encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
Bethany: I really love doing so much with Kate, traveling, trying new
restaurants, and going on adventures. But the activity I enjoy the most I
think would be spending the morning with her. Most days we wake up
together, chat, cuddle, and drink coffee in bed before taking on the day. I
really think these moments of connection make every day so much better, and
I look forward to every morning with her.
Kate: I love our conversation and emotional connection the most. I am the
most alive when we are connecting, talking about our dreams in life, both
the ones we have together or individually. Admittedly, our best
conversations often happen over good beverages, whether that be first thing
in the morning with a hot cup of coffee in bed or late in the evening
cozying up together in a bar with a Negroni. I find that my favorite
activity together looks exactly how our first date began.
Kate & Bethany met in Portland back in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic.
At the time Bethany was a coach at Orangetheory and Kate was a new member
at the studio that had just moved back to Portland for work. With so much
shut down, Kate was attending classes regularly to workout. She attempted
to not be too obvious, but was gradually only working out in Bethany’s
classes and even re-arranged her work to accommodate the schedule. Kate was
smitten by Bethany’s voice over the mic, her dry sense of humor and the
encouragement to run a little faster on the treadmill (despite Kate’s
stubbornness in usually saying no). Amazingly, these interactions happened
for months with masks on. It wasn’t until Kate invited Bethany out for a
drink, where they got to smile at each other for the first time over beers
and good conversation.
We had decided together to go non-traditional with the proposal and booked
a long weekend in Palm Springs knowing that we were going to exchange our
Kasia rings we had customized ourselves. Bethany had initially thought that
we were just going to wing it, but Kate had other plans. Kate surprised
Bethany by hiring a vintage convertible to pick us up and take us on a
drive through all the Palm Springs neighborhoods. At the end of the tour we
were dropped off at the most perfect mid-century home that Kate had rented
for the day, and were greeted by champagne and cinnamon rolls. We wrote
love notes to each other to be read in the future, finally had the big ring
reveal, and then spent the day in the pool. It was perfect.
In the beginning of 2022 we decided to move to San Diego and booked a trip
to scout out some different neighborhoods. Following along for months on
Instagram, Kate was also excited to book an appointment to look at rings so
that we could get an idea of the styles we liked. Kasia was so welcoming
and made a somewhat intimidating process so much fun. We didn’t end up
buying that day, but knew we would be back. A few months later we had
officially made the move and booked an appointment to look at some loose
stones Kasia had from a recent gem show. We were blown away at their
uniqueness and beauty and selected two different champagne diamonds for our
rings. It was such a fun experience to pick out exactly what we wanted, and
wait with anxious anticipation to see the final results together in Palm
Springs. The design process was so fun and we couldn’t be happier with how
they turned out. It was a bonus to get to celebrate with some Polish vodka!
Photography by @theshalomimaginative
Let's start with one of the most recognizable and valuable gemstones - emerald. Emeralds have been cherished for centuries for their range of vivid green colors, from light tones such as that of our Esmeralda ring (pictured below, right side) to deep hues like the one seen in the Medium Diana ring (pictured below, left side). These variations in color are caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium.
They are formed in metamorphic rocks, which are created when rocks are introduced to intense heat and pressure. In the case of emeralds, the rocks that produce these precious stones are typically shales, marbles, or schists. The process of emerald formation begins when magma rises from deep within the Earth and heats up the surrounding rocks. This then causes the rocks to transform, which then creates cavities or fractures in the rock. As the magma cools, fluids containing the elements needed to form emeralds seep into these fractures and cavities and over time, these fluids crystallize, forming emeralds.
Emeralds are found in many parts of the world, including Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
Tourmaline is another gemstone that is loved for its array of colors; even the name itself comes from the Sinhalese word "tura mali," which means "stone with mixed colors". This stone can be found in shades of pink, red, green, blue, and even black.
Tourmalines are formed in a variety of ways, including through igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. The specific conditions under which a tourmaline is formed are what determine its color. For example, green tourmalines such as the Brazilian tourmaline center stone of the Eunice ring (pictured below, left side) are formed in igneous rocks that contain a lot of iron, while pink (Suki ring pictured below, right side) and red tourmalines are formed in metamorphic rocks.
These stunning gems are highly valued by collectors and are a favorable alternative engagement ring center stone due to their hardness!
Aquamarine is a beautiful blue-green gemstone that is closely associated with the ocean; its name means "water of the sea" in Latin. If you know us, you know the ocean in particular holds a special place in our hearts with our Cardiff showroom being just steps away!
Aquamarines are formed in pegmatites, which are igneous rocks formed by magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface. As this process occurs, it forms large crystals, including those of beryl. Aquamarines are formed when the beryl contains traces of iron and is exposed to high-pressure fluids which contain other elements such as aluminum and silicon. These trace elements are what determine the tone of blue in each individual stone such as the light hue of our Elsie ring's center stone (pictured below).
Fun fact: Aquamarines are a type of beryl, the same mineral family as emeralds.
Today, aquamarines are found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan. You can also find them in the heart of Cardiff at our showroom! Discover aquamarine collection pieces here.
Sapphire is a gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years primarily for its deep blue color and association with royalty. This regal stone, much like Tourmalines, can also be found in a wide array of shades such as pink, yellow, green, and even white. Our collection of sapphires covers a broad range of these shades from the rich yellow tone of a Sri Lanka Sapphire in our Joss ring (pictured below, left side) to the mesmerizing bicolor tones of the Madagascar Sapphire in our Dew ring (pictured below, right side).
Sapphires are formed in metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, and much like the previously mentioned stones, these are created under intense heat and pressure. Aside from their range of unique shades, Sapphire is another favorite gemstone in our collection due to their hardness, making it an excellent alternative engagement ring center stone. Discover Sapphire collection pieces here.
There is something truly magical about natural gemstones. From the intricacies surrounding the formation process to the uniqueness of each individual stone; no two having the same story of formation and journey to the Earth's surface. When we look at a gemstone, we are seeing a testament of Mother Nature's force.
Our collection of fine jewelry features natural gemstones in a variety of styles and settings. Whether you prefer the rich green of emeralds or the brilliant blue of aquamarines, there is a gemstone that speaks to your unique style, personality and story. As we celebrate Earth Day, we honor the beauty and power of nature, and the incredible gemstones that remind us of it every day.
]]>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 Danae & André. Two ballroom dancers that tangoed their way into each other's hearts!
This is a funny one where we both have pretty different answers. We met each other at work, at a ballroom dance studio. One of their coworkers, who was a bridesmaid at the wedding, remembers a day where André asked her “I want to marry a girl like Danae. Do you think I have a chance?” to which the coworker responded “No way!” So for him, he knew very early on! I was more cautious, and took a while to even accept a date. However, once I gave him a chance, I was very quickly won over. I don’t think there was a specific moment I knew, but I know that one thing I noticed early on and loved about him was how great he is with kids…I remember watching him and thinking not only would he make a great husband, but also an amazing dad to our future children.
We are fortunate enough to share a passion for dancing. That’s how we met and something we continue to do together. Not only do we compete professionally, but we also really enjoy an evening out salsa dancing! On our honeymoon, the resort bar had a few vocal performers, and we couldn’t help ourselves, but get up and dance to the music. Aside from dancing, we love spending time trying out new dog friendly spots around San Diego with our pup Jack Jack!
We met at a ballroom dance studio, where André was a teacher and Danae a student. Eventually Danae joined the staff, and that’s when André decided to shoot his shot! Danae was nervous to date a coworker, so André had to be persistent, but he eventually won her over with his sweet smile and infectious laugh…the rest is history.
André and Danae we visiting her parents in Northern California for Christmas 2021. André had always really wanted the proposal to be a surprise, and he certainly pulled it off! Since they’d been together for a while and had discussed marriage many times, every big holiday, Danae would get her hopes up a bit that he’d pop the question, and this time especially, she thought she had caught onto some hints! However Christmas came and went, and still no ring, so she assumed she had just misinterpreted the signs. On the 27th, the family had planned a trip to a winery. Danae and Andre took a separate car, and began tasting while waiting for her parents and sister. While waiting for the others to arrive, André took Danae outside and proposed in the vineyard, just the two of them, then turned around saw not only Danae’s family, but also Andre’s there to celebrate!
As a lover of fashion, jewelry, and all things wedding, Danae started looking at wedding bands pretty early in the relationship. She knew she wanted something that was a little bit unique, and when she found Kasia, she knew it was the perfect place. For years she followed their Instagram page admiring others’ stories and stacks…and when it came time to find her own, she couldn’t wait to make her appointment. André and Danae both found their rings (the Large Fera and Abe). Danae looks forward to expanding her stack in the future as she and André go through life together!
Photography by @laurenogdenphoto
We’ve listed what we believe are 6 of the most common ways that you can unintentionally mishandle your jewelry, also known as our KJ Jewelry Don’ts. We've outlined them here in order from the least, to the most common ways we’ve seen pieces be mishandled:
Avoid touching your diamond to prevent getting fingerprints/dirt on it, and avoid loosening of the prongs by pressing directly on the stone (remember, diamonds are strong and can damage metals). What we recommend instead is to handle your ring from the sides (see the photo). This helps keep your stone clean and shining, while preventing any added pressure to the prongs as you handle it.
Avoid wearing rings right next to each other, as the pieces can easily rub against one another and cause damage over time. Additionally, diamonds can easily scratch and further damage other diamonds when worn next to each other (yes, diamonds can damage other diamonds). We recommend alternating fingers when wearing multiple rings.
Some jewelry pieces have prongs or pronounced contours that can get caught on heavy knits, or against pockets and other clothing accessories. Make sure to practice care when getting dressed or wearing clothing that can easily snag.
Take note if your piece is repeatedly snagging, as a prong may have lifted and is in need of attention.
This everyday move is so common, we forget just how quickly we can easily hit or jam your fine jewelry! Watch out for washing machine doors, too!
Whether it’s wrapping the leash around the hand to hold on to our furry friends, or playing around with our loved ones, our energetic family members can surprise us at any moment. All it takes is one, “...Squirrel!”
This is one we know all too well! Just the right amount of pressure while carrying or moving something can result in misshaping and damage to a piece of fine jewelry. Keep in mind, 14k gold is a malleable, fine metal that can become damaged by just the right amount of pressure!
Be sure to remove your piece when applying lotions/perfumes, or working with harsh chemicals- and be sure to store your piece in a safe space. Make sure you keep these best practices in mind and be weary of some common mistakes that can occur.
Get regular check ups as often as every 6 months here
Always refer to our care guidelines, or check out our other blog post regarding proper care and cleaning.
]]>
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 Stephanie & Brandon. Two friends who reconnected years later to create their forever love story!
Steph - I knew Brandon was the one shortly after we started dating. I really don’t know how to explain it but it just felt “right”. Other guys I had dated it felt like so much work and with Brandon, it came easy. He felt like my best friend and it was a no brainer.
Brandon - I knew Steph was the one for years before we dated, but the stars were never aligned. When our paths finally crossed and that opportunity became available it just made perfect sense.
Steph - I love how hard working and kind Brandon is. He treats everyone he knows as if they are special and will go above and beyond for all of his friends and family.
Brandon - Steph is so loving and kind to others. She is also so fun to be around and her smile is contagious!
We love to travel together. We’ve been to France, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Maldives, Tulum and more! Brandon is a professional photographer so that takes us to a lot of places, but also just traveling for fun is something we love to do. We love experiencing new places! Just as much as we love to travel we also love to just hang out at home and watch a good movie or documentary. I think that’s what makes our relationship so great; we really just love to do anything as long as it's together!
We met in High School the summer before freshman year, back in 2005! We were in the same math class. We went to a small private school, so we frequently had classes together and hung out with similar friend groups. We did not start dating until January 2014. We were always friends and never lost touch between high school and college. When it was finally meant to be for us, it was just right! Stephanie was living in San Francisco at the time and Brandon was in Los Angeles. Brandon had an opportunity to go to football game up north and invited Stephanie to attend. The rest is history!
Brandon proposed October 2019 a few days after Stephanie’s Birthday. Steph had planned a trip to San Luis Obispo (her college town) to go wine tasting and visit with old friends. Little did she know Brandon had a plan of his own! The two of them and a friend went on a hike in Montana De Oro. This was a place Brandon had taken some photos of a few years back. Brandon had remembered one photo he had taken of Stephanie there and remembered how beautiful and happy that moment was, so he wanted to recreate it. Stephanie was completely shocked when Brandon got down on one knee and proposed on the gorgeous ocean cliffs during sunset.
Stephanie has always admired Kasia Jewelry for their unique pieces. She always knew that she wanted a super traditional classic engagement ring, but when it came time to pick the band she wanted something with a little more character. Her and Brandon drove down to San Diego to visit the bands on site and they both fell in love with their bands immediately!!
Photography by @love_is_wed
]]>One of our favorite things about natural gemstones is that each one is completely unique. No two stones will ever be the same, no matter how alike they may appear on the surface. In fact, each stone contains a world of its own, much like the special stories each of our clients have. We love that a gemstone can be a beautiful reflection of your own complexity and individuality.
As stones form over thousands, if not millions, of years, they develop different inclusions, which are trace elements within the stone that make it truly one of a kind. These inclusions act as a sort of fingerprint, vital in the process of grading stones and in identifying one from another. Here, we will explore some common types of inclusions – and why we always celebrate them.
Keeping It Natural
Inclusions occur more often in natural stones compared to synthetic stones. However, certain inclusions in lab-developed gems are the specific result of their growth process, therefore serving as a way to distinguish a synthetic gem from a natural one. The inclusions in natural stones also relay important details about them; the presence of specific materials in a stone can indicate where and when it was formed. This is what makes these naturally-occurring inclusions so special. They help tell the story of every single stone, a story that begins long before a stone finds its way to a Kasia Jewelry design. Keeping nature’s lingering touch present in every piece.
Types of Inclusions
There are four main types of inclusions commonly found in stones. They not only help to determine key facts about the stone, but also help craft its unique identity – which is then thoughtfully highlighted through specific Kasia Jewelry designs.
Needles
Among the primary types of inclusions in diamonds and colored stones are needles, which appear like long, thin rods under standard magnification. These rods are actually crystals made up of a mineral other than that of the stone, formed along with the stone itself. Most needle inclusions are much too small to see without a microscope, but still set a stone apart and help distinguish one stone from another.
Clouds
Clouds are another type of inclusion, formed by many clustered needles or pin-points, which are crystals in the form of tiny dots. These clouds can look like a small hazy patch in the stone, creating a unique and striking visual effect. Cloud inclusions can occur in a wide variety of natural stones.
One of our favorite examples of a beautifully cloud-included stone is the salt-and-pepper diamond. This special diamond gets its name from the black carbon inclusions and unique characteristics it holds. These speckles can be sparse, leaving areas of clear stone; dense, with a dark and stormy appearance; or anywhere between. We love featuring salt and pepper stones in our designs for their endless uniqueness and captivating complexity. If you’re seeking a stone as one-of-a-kind and captivating as your story, consider a salt and pepper center stone.
Fluid
Another inclusion that occurs regularly is fluid. Fluid inclusions consist of liquid or gas that became encapsulated within the formation of the stone as it developed. These inclusions can sometimes take on fantastical shapes within the stone; microphotography of fluid inclusions even produces beautiful pieces of art. Some stones even contain little bubbles of water or air, perfectly preserving a piece of the earth from millions, if not billions of years ago.
Crystals
Finally, crystal inclusions are highly common within stones. While needle and cloud inclusions are technically crystals as well, the term applies to crystals of more apparent and irregular shape. These inclusions are almost as if a microscopic gem was contained within the stone. Emeralds, a commonly included stone, often contain pyrite crystals. These appear as small, dark prisms within the emerald, creating a complex interior world. Crystal inclusions give each stone its own special look.
Imperfectly Perfect
Diamonds have a unique relationship with inclusions because, more than any other stone, they are graded based on their clarity – their lack of inclusions. Clarity is one of the 4C’s used to determine a diamond’s value. However, a diamond that is truly without inclusions is extremely rare. The majority of diamonds used in jewelry are considered “‘eye clean,” which means their inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye and therefore don’t impact the appearance of the diamond. When grading a stone with a microscope, though, a gemologist sees any inclusions and makes a diagram of the interior of the stone. Just like a fingerprint, this chart means that the diamond is completely unique and can always be identified.
Inclusions are often what gives a colored stone its beautiful appearance. We’ve mentioned emeralds and salt-and-pepper diamonds, but there is a wide variety of stones whose own inclusions greatly enhance their allure.
For example, inclusions are also what give rubies and sapphires their color! Both stones consist of a mineral known as corundum. The presence of chromium inclusions in the corundum creates a red hue - such stones are categorized as rubies. Any other inclusion and the stone is considered a sapphire, prized especially in its classic deep blue or in vibrant pink.
Whether you choose a diamond or a colored stone, the inclusions that your gem contains are an integral part of its identity. Visible inclusions enhance a stone’s complex beauty; the ones too small to be seen are an important part of what makes your stone completely unique.
One-of-a-Kind, Every Time
There is an infinite variety of inclusions that can be seen in stones. Every gemstone has a different quantity and prominence of inclusions, something that is taken into account when selecting a piece for Kasia Jewelry. We champion this variety and are endlessly inspired by the range of beauty in these nature-made stones. Our collection features gems that are as perfectly individual as their wearers, stones through which nature tells its long and beautiful story. With a Kasia Jewelry piece, you get to create your own story.
]]>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 Elena & Samuel, two lovebirds that migrated to San Diego to let us be a part of their special story! Grab a tissue box, this one had us teary-eyed.
It was a combination of things of course, from us having so much fun when we were together that we would stay up all hours of the night talking, to him going above and beyond for me any moment he could, I couldn’t imagine not having him in life. After we had been dating for awhile, it just became known that he would be my constant. He would always be there no matter the situation and we could make each other happy even if we lived in a shoebox, was all signs of the perfect husband for me. Plus he has reallllllly good hair.
There are so many things! I think my favorite is that we have so many things in common. We are both in similar careers, love doing the same things, and have the same exact taste buds. It sounds strange, but having the same interests, goals and taste in everything means we are both doing what we like all the time together.
We love spontaneous travel adventures - our perfect day would be enjoying charcuterie boards and wine by water, and staying in by a fire and watching scary movies by night. (A pool is a plus!)
We both worked at a boutique realty, construction, and design firm and instantly had a crush on each other (while avoiding ever coming in contact with each other obviously because we were too shy). We were friends for awhile before I asked him on a date out of the blue! I told him if the date went terribly, it could be really great practice none the less - ha! After the date, the rest was history!
Sam knew my love for vintage designer chairs and my favorite chair of all time was the Cherner chair, we would always go to vintage shops trying to get lucky and find one. He ended up finding one and proposed to me with it - my favorite chair, a ring, and a soon to be husband. Best day ever!
We knew we wanted to elope by the water, so we went to San Diego to scope out a couple places and check out Kasia Jewelry at the same time as we had been drooling over their Instagram for awhile… Our appointment couldn’t have gone better. We were so thrilled with the experience and our gorgeous rings!
Photography by @melodyjoyco
]]>With their brilliant shine and enchanting sparkle, diamonds are probably one of the first stones to cross your mind when it comes to gems and jewelry. After all, diamond rings account for almost 90% of engagement jewelry, and the diamond industry is one of the most valuable markets in the US. The popularity of diamonds is easy to understand - as the hardest of all stones, they are nearly impossible to scratch or break, and they are among the most reflective, which gives diamonds their infamous bright shine. However, this iconic stone has not always been in such demand. Let’s explore the unique and rich history of what makes diamonds and other gemstones a one-of-a-kind treasure.
A Long Romance
The beauty and splendor of gemstones have been captivating humans for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations carved, shaped, and smoothed gems to serve a variety of functional and decorative purposes. Stones such as lapis lazuli, quartz, turquoise, and jade were used in some of the earliest gemstone jewelry across the world. Wearing these beautiful pieces of nature was a method of self-expression, of beautification, and of showing status. While our reasons for wearing jewelry today have largely stayed the same, the technology for making it has advanced drastically over time, and the fluctuations in gemstone availability and in cultural tastes have shaped which stones are most popular.
Diamonds, for example, had a very different appearance for much of history than they have today. The stone was often maintained in the natural shape of its crystal, a simple octahedron. This crystal was sometimes carried loose in a pocket or mounted onto a simple band and worn as a ring. By the 1400s, gemcutters knew that they could polish these crystals using diamond dust to increase their shine. (Because diamonds are so hard, the only thing that can smooth their surface is other diamonds!) This early shape was known as a point-cut. Soon, craftspeople began trying other cuts; thanks to this experimentation, as well as technological advancements in cutting and grinding tools, cuts were developed that not only safeguarded the integrity of the stone but also greatly improved the attractiveness. By the mid-1700s, gemcutters had developed early versions of the brilliant cut, which nowadays is the most popular way to facet a diamond due to its beautiful effects on the appearance of the stone.
However, despite these advancements, diamonds didn’t truly become popular until the mid-1900’s. During most of the millennium, diamonds were sourced in India (and later, Brazil), but the availability slowly declined. In the late 1800’s, diamonds were discovered in South Africa. Its presence in the industry was reinvigorated as the stone became more and more available. The decline of consumerism during the WWII era led to yet another decline in the diamond market. The true turning point came in the 1950’s when the diamond mining company De Beers launched an advertising campaign that forefronted the now-infamous phrase, “a diamond is forever.” This slogan cemented the association between diamonds and commitment, leading to a wild increase in the popularity of diamond engagement rings.
Grading a Gemstone's Value
The rise in popularity of diamonds, and engagement rings in general, led to a need for a consistent way to determine the value of a gemstone. A stone’s value is complex; it depends on a variety of factors and requires an experienced eye, although oftentimes questionable, ultimately due to the “eyes of the beholder”. The global standard used today for gemstone grading is the 4Cs, a system that enables consistent and objective diamond valuation across the world. How does one value a gemstone, you ask? Despite the fact that 4Cs are often used as a very cut & dry guidelines, this oftentimes can be a bit misleading - if all or most that you value is the originality and character in the stone. Those can not be graded or classified by anything but your own eyes and appreciation or therefore a lack of.
What are the 4Cs?
The 4C grading system was established by the Gemological Institute of America in the 1950s. It revolutionized the way diamonds are graded by providing a standard set of criteria that the entire jewelry industry could use. Prior to this system, there was no agreement as to how diamonds were valued, causing widespread discrepancies in pricing and valuation.
The 4Cs describe four different categories that contribute to a diamond’s value. These categories are color, cut, clarity, and carat. Each category is evaluated separately, with the results then examined holistically to determine the final value of the diamond.
Color
The first of the four C’s is color, which in the case of diamonds, actually refers to the colorless of the stone. Color is evaluated on a scale. The most highly graded diamonds have no hue or saturation, whereas the stones at the lower end of the scale will have a distinct yellow or brown hue. However, diamonds demonstrating a particularly strong yellow or brown color, or any other color, are considered fancy-colored diamonds, which are graded as their own category distinct from colorless diamonds.
Other gemstones are also evaluated by color, but the standards vary by gemstone. For example, rubies are at their most valuable when the color is a vibrant red that is neither too dark nor too pale. Topaz, which comes in a wide range of colors, is most prized in its orange-red to red varieties. The rarity of the gemstone in that certain color also affects its value. Diamonds in a vivid pink hue or pale blue are very rare and therefore priced much higher - in fact, these colored diamonds command the highest price per carat of any gem. However, it’s important to note that color is perhaps the most subjective of the four C’s in the sense that color preferences vary widely from person to person. Here at Kasia Jewelry, we value color the most out of the 4C’s. It’s very important to find just the right tone in the world of many, unique to the wearer and appropriate for the design!!
Clarity
The next of the four C’s, clarity, refers to the visible presence of inclusions or blemishes within the diamond. An inclusion is any internal imperfection to the stone. This could be a crack, air bubble, or trace amounts of another mineral. Blemishes are any mark on the surface of the stone. Diamonds with absolutely no blemishes or inclusions rank highest on the clarity scale are considered flawless. However, truly flawless diamonds are incredibly rare. The highest quality readily accessible to consumers are diamonds with no flaws visible under 10x magnification. Generally speaking, the more noticeable an inclusion or blemish, the lower the diamond will rank on the clarity scale.
However, inclusions are an important part about what makes a diamond, or any other natural stone, truly unique. Thanks to inclusions, no two stones will ever be exactly the same. The presence of inclusions can help laboratories determine whether a gem is natural or synthetic. And inclusions or blemishes don’t necessarily make a stone less attractive. Emerald, for example, almost always has visible inclusions, and yet it remains one of the most sought-after gemstones across the globe. Another stone that has unique beauty thanks to its inclusions is the salt and pepper diamond, which has a speckled black and white appearance, typically thanks to its black carbon inclusions. It’s an increasingly popular alternative stone for engagement rings and other bespoke jewelry we are certainly a huge fan of! Think individuality & character.
Cut
An important part of a stone’s value factor is the way it is cut. As mentioned earlier, stone-cutting techniques rapidly progressed beginning in the 1400s. Today, gemcutters are able to perfect the cut of a stone to achieve the perfect optical effects, or to shape it into unique and exciting shapes, known as fantasy cuts. When it comes to diamonds, every single cut contributes to the dazzling visual result. An expertly cut diamond will perfectly balance the brilliant reflection of white light, the contrast of the stone’s dark areas, and the scattered color that dances throughout. Importantly, the stone must be cut in a way that does not leave it vulnerable to breakage.
When considering the cuts of stones other than diamond, the effect of light is still an important consideration. The best cuts will reflect maximal light back to the viewer, creating that captivating shine. Other factors include the symmetry of the cut and how well it has been polished. Some stones are rounded into cabochons or beads instead of faceted; in this case, a well-shaped gem is evenly smooth with a consistent shine.
The round brilliant cut remains the most popular shape for diamonds, but other cuts have more recently come back to popularity in the past few years. At Kasia Jewelry, some of our favorite non-traditional cuts are ovals, pears, marquises, and emeralds.
Carat
The last of the 4Cs is the carat weight. The carat is a unit used to measure the weight of gemstones to great precision. It’s easy to understand that the larger the carat weight, the more expensive the stone, but the scaling is not consistent. For example, a 2-carat diamond costs considerably more than double a 1-carat diamond because the larger diamond is more scarce. And two diamonds of the same carat weight don’t necessarily cost the same; the other three C’s also come into play.
Other gemstones follow the same trend. Also, a carat is a measurement of weight, not size, so a one carat diamond might not be the same size as a different one carat stone of the same cut!
Finding Value in Uniqueness
The 4Cs all impact a stone’s value. Each category is considered separately, but it’s just as important to look at the factors all together. When you consider the whole picture, each stone tells its own story, with a set of characteristics as unique as a fingerprint. This is what inspires us at Kasia Jewelry to feature these beautiful, natural stones in our collections time and time again. When you select your own KJ gemstone piece, you are getting something as one-of-a-kind as yourself.
Hand-Selected, with Love
Selecting the beautiful stones that make up our collection is a process we take seriously. Each main stone is hand selected, whether from reputable jewelers with generations of experience, or from sourcing trips and trade expositions where Kasia examines stone after stone to find the perfect pieces for our collection. Ultimately, we select only those stones that demand to be seen, that demonstrate that utmost important attribute, individuality.
Designing Timeless Heirlooms
At Kasia Jewelry, our designs are unique, yet timeless. Pieces are designed around the beauty of the individual stone, elevating classic styles while highlighting the stone’s character. These designs are made to stand the test of time, both in their style and durability, while reflecting your individuality. Whether you select a diamond or a different gem, your Kasia Jewelry piece pays homage to these the stone’s’ natural beauty - and to yours.
]]>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 Paisley & Brett, the sweetest east coast natives with a zest for love and life together!
I don’t think either of us have a specific moment in knowing the other was “THE ONE”, but instead, it was a combination of small things over the years we were together – we share a zest for life and each other’s dreams, we have so much respect for each other, and have the best time doing all things together, big and small!
Brett is so selfless for the people he loves. He will truly bend over backwards, hop on a plane, build a headboard when the one you want doesn’t exist (haha!), and put his crew before himself. It’s very admirable, how deeply he cares!
While we love to travel, some of our favorite moments together are simple weekend mornings – Brett and I will go to the gym together, pick up our two Goldendoodles (Eleanor and Rigby), and walk around South Park with a cappuccino in hand! We love our neighborhood, and those calm mornings together as a family are so peaceful!
Brett and I met working the same summer job at a pool store! We had worked together for a few years, however, I worked in the retail shop and he was one of the pool boys servicing the pools. When Brett graduated college and began managing the retail store, we spent a lot of time working together and quickly realized we enjoyed each other’s company! Fast forward to spending a lot of time together exploring New York City (where I was working and studying), and the rest is history!
Brett and I love taking our dogs, Eleanor and Rigby, to the golf course near our house during sunset. The golfers are gone, which means it’s a beautiful place for the pups to run and for us to enjoy the weather and the view! We were there one night in December when Brett popped the question. We kept it a secret for a few days so that we could share the news with our families in person, as we were flying back to the East Coast for the Holidays! It was such a special time.
I’ve been a fan of Kasia Jewelry for years, even before we moved to San Diego! I tried on a few of Kasia’s designs at a pop-up years before I got engaged (a friend and I went to the pop-up as she was looking for rings at the time), so once Brett and I got engaged, there was no question in my mind that my wedding bands would be designed by Kasia! We had such a fun time visiting the studio and building my stack. Kasia and Sara helped us in choosing the Half Dicha and the Dani band! The Dani band reminds me of sunshine and radiance, I smile every time I look at it!
We love playing with opposite attractions and timeless is the name of the game when it comes to our design and styling methods here. This makes our Art Deco pieces a true staple in the collection. With a vision in place to create pieces which intersect both a modern concept and a vintage-inspired design to withstand the test of time, we’re happy to offer stylings which redefine what timeless means.
The Art Deco fashion movement is something that originated in the 1920s and gained momentum by the early 1930s after being showcased in the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes circa 1925 as a new wave design. This new style was meant to represent modernism turned into luxury fashion as a way of symbolizing wealth and sophistication in a nontraditional, yet elegant way. The Art Deco style is one that’s easily identifiable through often clean or simple shapes combined with geometric (remember our Ballerina Inspired Designs blog post?), symmetrical stylings and incorporation of color. Specifically in the world of fine jewelry and sprinkled throughout our collection, it can be found in more of a metal-forward or bold design often incorporating a very geometrical, structured style which leans into that recognizable Art Deco look.
The staple Art Deco look is one that’s historically withstood the industry's ever-changing trends; but what happens when you take something so iconic and add a modern twist?
Pure magic.
Tying in the elements that make this archetypal style so identifiable along with cuts and shapes that may otherwise not be associated with the classic “Art Deco” look create a level of uniqueness unlike any other. Our collection features several of these Modernized Art Deco styles including staple collection bands such as our Aja band and Ero band or rings such as the Astro ring and Hana ring.
Now there is nothing we love more than versatility when it comes to bands, which is why many of our Art Deco inspired pieces are stylized as bold wedding bands, alternative engagement rings, or powerful right hand rings. The options are endless when it comes to ways of incorporating these modernized yet timeless pieces to your story.
“Create Your Own Story”
]]>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 Annelise & Alberto, two spontaneous free spirits who's love radiates loud!
I knew Alberto was “the one” pretty instantly. It was love at first sight, and I even told my mom (very confidently) that I was going to marry him after our second date, where we went out to dinner and talked so much we closed down the restaurant without even realizing it. After being kicked out, we went to our local cash-only dive bar and danced the night away until that place closed, too. I knew that life was going to be very different from that point on, because I realized that I had met my soulmate. I truly felt, and still feel, like the luckiest human ever.
I adore Alberto’s compassion for others (he is an Oncologist!) and his humor, which is literally unmatched. I love how secure he makes me feel in our relationship. Like everything else could be going wrong in my life, or career, or whatever; but things are somehow still so great because he loves me and I love him.
We love to go to concerts together, whether they be planned for months or on a whim the morning of! Live music has always been one of our shared loves and there is no better way we like to spend our time than dancing together!
Alberto and I met at a mutual friend’s birthday party, which was taking place at a bar in Pacific Beach. I saw him from across the group and thought he was the cutest boy I had ever seen. I saw him walking towards the bar, so I strategically high-tailed myself over there to intercept (I had to do some serious mental geometry to ensure I would arrive at just the right barstool, at just the right time). I told him that he looked like RL Grime (a DJ) and I am pretty sure that flattered him, because that night we ended up going to a Warehouse party and danced the night away until 4 am. We realized we lived 2 blocks away from each other and were inseparable ever since.
Alberto proposed when we took a trip to Italy to visit his family, and his homeland (he was born there!). He took me to a little town in Northern Italy near his hometown named Arquà Petrarca after the famous poet, Petrarch. We went to a viewpoint where we could see rolling green hills of Northern Italy wine country. He asked to take a photo of me, and when I turned around he was on one knee. He read me a poem in Italian that we had dissected earlier, and asked me to be his wife. It was the hottest summer day in June, the cicadas were almost as loud as my thoughts, and it was truly, the most perfect, poetic, and immeasurable day of my existence.
My sister and now brother-in-law got their wedding bands from Kasia, so I had always had my heart set on a Kasia ring when the time came, because well, they are ~perfection~. Alberto and I went ring shopping and absolutely fell in love with the Gemma ring, which was an antique-inspired, high set moonstone center surrounded by diamonds- it was so unique, - just like us - which we loved. Kasia was so incredibly lovely to work with and I have always appreciated how unique her designs are. The Gemma ring really spoke to me, and although I narrowed all the ones I tried on “down to three” to try and retain some semblance of surprise when the proposal came, I knew in my heart the Gemma was it, and so did Alberto. Fast forward to 6 months later, we excitedly made our way over to KJ again to pick out our bands! We did this so early in relation to our wedding, because we literally couldn’t wait; and now it takes everything we have not to wear them “for fun” while going grocery shopping! Kasia’s rings symbolize everything that I loved about falling in love with Alberto: the ebbs, the flows, the soft, the sharp, the beauty inside, and out.
If we're starting your stack from scratch - we strive to understand your style and aesthetics. If we're working with an already existing piece - we then pay close attention to build cohesive and harmonious pairings.
It’s a perfect storm mixed with personal touch that separates your experience at Kasia Jewelry from the rest. Above all else, we want to find the perfect addition that fits YOUR story. You will work one-on-one with a KJ stylist, and we will ask questions to understand your needs, lifestyle, and all around personal taste. Our stylists are true artists, and with a collection as expansive as ours, we can help style ANY ring - no matter how unique!
Close by or far away? We have an answer for both! We are pleased to host styling appointments - both in person at our Solana Beach Showroom and virtually from anywhere in the world.
If you are meeting with us in person, you will enter a true playground for adults. You’ll be offered a glass of bubbly, and will feel at ease in an open and inspiring environment. No need to be overwhelmed by all of the options, we will guide you in the right direction as you have some fun playing with jewels!
If you are meeting with us over video conference, we replicate the same experience you would receive in-person at our showroom. Grab your beverage of choice, and prepare to be blown away! We take an existing ring from our collection or samples that is similar to your own, and show you how your favorite bands would look when paired with the ring. Of course, we’ll give you our professional opinion of pieces we think will look best. You may just surprise yourself with what you fall in love with!
If your schedule is just too busy for an appointment, simply fill out the form on this page with images of your ring (top and side profile view while on), budget, timeline, and any inspiration photos you might have. This will allow our stylists to best assist you. We’ll then be happy to send over pictures and videos via email of your favorite bands so that you can see a real visual of how the pairing will look once it comes to life.
We love the way jewelry can hold so much meaning. Regardless of how we connect or what you’re looking for, we will help you build a story that is reflective of that special significance or time in your life. We truly have pieces that fit into each and every style, so what are you waiting for? Let’s play!
]]>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 Lauren & Garrett, two fun-loving LA natives with such a special story.
Lauren: There was never a single “aha” moment for me, it was more subtle. After having the privilege of dating him for as long as I had, I couldn’t imagine going through life's future big milestones without him and I knew I wanted him to be my family for life.
Garrett: As with Lauren, I can not pin point an exact moment I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. But there was one moment when I knew that I definitely liked Lauren and wanted our summer camp romance to last more than one summer. It was halfway through Bruinwoods, the summer camp where Lauren and I met, and one of the 4th grade campers in my group, Quinn, also was friends with Lauren. One lunch time at camp he really wanted to show both Lauren and I the piece of pottery he had painted. Campers over the summer never do this and the ease at which Lauren and I reacted to his out of the ordinary request was something I remembered. Quinn was so excited to show us this pottery and we both went along and encouraged this camper’s excitement. I even have a picture from this moment:
Lauren: One thing is so hard! He’s literally the best person I know, but one thing that always stands out is the way he shows up for the people he cares about. He’ll always be there, go the extra mile without asking and is so thoughtful. Also it doesn’t hurt that he runs his own bakery, Tommy and Atticus (@tommyandatticus), and will leave fresh baked goods on my nightstand as little good morning surprises.
Garrett: Picking one thing is so incredibly tough, so I’ll pick one primary thing and then two close seconds :) Throughout life Lauren experiences everything with so much passion that I love simply watching Lauren experience all of life’s highs and lows, especially since we joke that I am robot, who’s emotions barely fluctuate. One day I wish to be half as excited about anything as Lauren is simply eating a Din Tai Fung soup dumpling.
I love that Lauren has unconditionally supported me as I have pursued my baking passion. I love that Lauren continuously challenges both of us to grow into the best versions of ourselves.
Lauren: We love to do a lot of things, really anything to be honest. Of course we love traveling, backpacking and eating at new restaurants, Garrett is a baker after all. I will say some of my favorite moments with him are simply doing the most mundane things like going to the grocery store. When you’re with the person you love the most, the mundane things are opportunities to create beautiful memories.
Garrett: With my baking schedule, we don’t get to do nearly as much anymore. But backpacking with Lauren is one of my favorite activities to do with her. Just the two of us being in nature and having everything that we need to survive on our backs is a fun experience. Coming to the camp site and setting up everything is always fun and we each have our role and things we are best at during the process. Not having any cell service and simply cooking, playing camp games and talking with her is always a great activity..
We met at a camp for UCLA Alumni and their families called Bruin Woods. Lauren was working at the Bear and Grill, which is like a snack shack, and Garrett was a Kodiak counselor which meant he was paid to play kickball with 9 and 10 year olds. Garrett would strategically make his campers meet outside of the Bear and Grill so he could casually run in to “get a gatorade” but really he just wanted to say “sup” to Lauren. Garrett has always been super smooth (lol). After that summer ended, Lauren was convinced Garrett would never talk to her now that he was an “adult” (that’s what happens when you graduate college right?), but Garrett had other plans. After “hanging out” for the first couple of months after Lauren went back to UCLA Garrett was tired of being introduced as her friend and officially asked her out. Fast forward a casual decade and that’s where we are today, newlyweds running a local South Bay Bakery.
Garrett: It was early in the pandemic days, April 2020, and I had the ring and was ready to propose. I wanted to get out of the house + Lauren and I love hiking so I thought a beautiful hike would be a great way to pop the question. The state was talking about closing hiking trails so I knew I had to do it before that happened. I knew of a cool trail in the Angeles Forest that overlooked Los Angeles. We were driving up the Angeles Crest Highway and not only was it packed with people, but the mountains were COVERED in snow. When does it even snow in LA, let alone in April!? Needless to say we were not dressed appropriately and the hike I had planned was at the top of the mountain and there was so much snow we couldn’t even get to the trailhead. So we had to pivot. I suggested pulling over and enjoying the snowy view. Luckily Lauren did not push back, other than the fact that she wanted to find a spot where no one was (we’re both pretty COVID cautious) which worked out perfectly for what I had planned. After some driving we found a spot, walked out to a beautiful overlook and I popped the question! Then we went back home and I had coordinated a special dinner from Bavel complete with a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate!
Lauren: I honestly feel that Kasia Jewelry has played such a big role in our engagement and into our general wedding story. Garrett and I went and looked at rings together, which was SO MUCH FUN! I never thought I would want to do that (pick out a ring with my partner), but I can’t recommend it enough. Kasia Jewelry’s store is so cute, and the experience there was so welcoming, comfortable, and more special than any other store we went to. During our visit looking for an engagement ring the designer, Kasia, even came out and helped us find the perfect ring which really felt so special. I was stuck between two rings and I remember her saying to put them on and look at myself in the full length mirror. I did that with both, and she and Garrret both said I lit up when I looked at myself with the Ariel ring - and they were right. It was perfect.
Kasia’s work is so nuanced, original, and unique but somehow still manages to be timeless and universal. Going into the appointment I thought I wanted a standard solitaire oval diamond with a thin gold band, but ended up with the most beautiful salt and pepper diamond, surrounded by small pear shaped diamonds. The ring is INSANE. It’s nothing I had ever seen before and like nothing I thought I wanted. But going into the store and trying on different rings really changed everything for me and I am so thankful both for the experience and my stunning ring.
I get so many compliments on the ring and still, 2 years later, catch myself just staring at it smiling. My engagement ring is so unique and different and is a beautiful symbol of our relationship.
Don’t even get me started on the wedding bands, both of ours are equally stunning and were the perfect way to commemorate our commitment to each other.
Photos by Katie Edwards.
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The word Diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas”, which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” Please keep in mind that while Diamonds are the hardest gemstone (a 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale), of course they still require love and care to last for generations. (More on this here).
Traded in India as early as the 4th century BCE, Diamonds eventually became popular in Europe among the wealthy. The first Diamond engagement ring is known to have been given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477.
While today Diamonds are mined all over the world, it is estimated that 40% of rough Diamonds come from mines in Botswana, typically in the hot eastern regions of the country.
Diamonds are formed when carbon deposits are put under high pressure and temperature, and they are formed extremely deep below the earth’s surface - up to 125 miles below. Some stones can form within days, months, or even some millions of years to completely take shape.
With the increasing popularity of lab-grown diamonds, there is something so magical about the real thing, which is why we stick to using only natural stones. Our diamonds come from reputable sources that adhere to fair humanitarian mining practices, ensuring they are ethically sourced. Our Old Meets New Collection features striking antique Diamonds circa the 1920s, celebrating not only a piece of history, but a sustainable approach as well.
At Kasia Jewelry, we celebrate Salt & Pepper Diamonds (bits of carbon trapped in the stone, showcasing themselves through bits of gray and black “galaxy-like” patterns formed by black carbon inclusions), and Champagne Diamonds (neutral all the way to warm hued light to medium brown colors). For our colorless Diamond lovers, we have a wide array of styles for you as well, always taking into account that unique factor when sourcing this traditional variety. The infamous “4Cs” (color, cut, clarity, and carat) is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond. It is important to be aware of these 4 C’s, and to most importantly remember that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
Although Diamond rings are typically associated with that special little ring worn on your left ring finger, we truly believe in the power of a strong Diamond right hand ring. A few of our favorites are Maverick Ring, Charlie Ring, Maribel Ring, Tyra Ring, Vilda Ring, Jude Ring, and Annica Ring.
Now that you are armed with a little more background on the precious and cherished Diamond, it’s time we do a little shopping! See all of our Diamond pieces here, or schedule an in-person or virtual shopping appointment with us to receive expert styling advice.
Happy Shopping!
]]>Champagne Diamonds are a unique type of naturally brown-yellow colored diamonds ranging anywhere from a light brown to deep cognac color, giving it the covetable Champagne name. These variations in color are determined by the amount of Nitrogen and other element traces found in the stone at the time of formation; each one uniquely crafted by mother nature. A true one-of-a-kind stone making it a beautiful choice for engagement rings with a touch of different in mind...
Natural Champagne Diamonds range anywhere from C1 (with subtle undertones of pink-yellow) to C8 (with deeper tones of cognac/chocolate) color. These colors are completely unique to each stone and is something that cannot easily be replicated. When carefully chosen, champagne diamonds can have romantically soft undertones, covetable brilliance, and an elegant, organic style to them.
Something to consider: Subtle undertones should be factored in when considering how the stone will appear against your skin tone keeping in mind that the neutral colors hiding a lot of warmth coming from yellow undertones are the safest of options. We are known for going after just that!
When it comes to diamond rings, it's often times more simple than some might think - pick what you fall in love with.
Truly something unrepeatable that can only be done at the time of formation, making it invaluable to the wearer, a true staple in the KJ collection! Also, because of their subtle color, Champagne diamonds are an excellent choice for the stone as they can mask certain inclusions that would have been otherwise visible within colorless diamonds.
Picking out the perfect engagement ring is one of the most important moments of our lives - so we hope when the time comes to start shopping for that perfect piece, you'll consider a Champagne Diamond stone. Remember, these diamonds are completely unique - and the forever ring should be no exception! Discover your dream Champagne Diamond ring here.
Psst, in case Champagne diamonds aren't the style for you, we also have many other diamonds and gemstones to choose from... Shop All Rings here!
]]>It is not unusual to find lead times upwards of 10 weeks when purchasing fine jewelry. In fact, it’s rare to find anything less! While all of our pieces are available in a full range of sizes and metal colors when made to order, we like to keep a wide inventory of Ready To Ship pieces available for immediate purchase at all times! In more detail, we are pleased to offer over 300 styles that are now Ready To Ship!
Simply select a collection within our main menu, and locate "Filters" on the left hand side. Filter by stone, style, type, and even your timeline; just select "Ready To Ship" to shop our in stock collection.
Is your size Made To Order? Not to worry! The first resize is on the house! Add the Ready To Ship size in your preferred metal color to the cart, and leave a note at checkout with your preferred size. Your piece(s) will then be resized and shipped fully insured within 5-7 business days.
Additionally, we offer a complimentary metal color change on our Ready To Ship Engagement Rings! Currently, most of our E. rings are made in 14k Yellow Gold. If you fall in love with a particular style we have in stock, but prefer it to be 14k Rose Gold, 14k White Gold, 18k Gold, or even Platinum - we are happy to reset it free of charge. Please note this desired change at checkout, and kindly allow us approximately 3-4 weeks to make the change. (18k Gold or Platinum metal upgrades will incur additional charge).
You often live a busy life and cannot always remember to order the perfect gift weeks in advance. We also know how you love to be spontaneous. (Looking at you, elopers!) No matter what you are looking for, we carry enough “on hand” inventory to match any style and hopefully be the ones to help you add to your story through jewelry.
If you have any questions, or are working with a specific deadline, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here, and we will do our best to meet your needs. Happy shopping!
]]>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 Claire & Daniel, two absolute sweethearts who radiate love and light!
It was a few years into dating and I realized everything was better when he
came along. Road trips, the grocery store, a walk around the neighborhood,
he made me smile and enjoy all of it ten-fold.
I love his sense of purpose. He is such a kind soul who really wants to
help this world be a better place. I have always admired how hard he works
for others even when no one is watching and I feel so blessed he picked me
to share it with.
There’s two that stick out as the best times we ever have. First, the San
Diego Zoo. Our second date was at the zoo, he proposed to me there, we saw
a giraffe born on my birthday there! It’s such a magical place full of
wonder and awe and each visit has a new route and new discoveries that
truly brings out the child in both of us. The second is concerts. We love
live music and both have eclectic tastes which always makes for an
adventure. Daniel leads me by example to drop my guard and really immerse
myself in the fun of the show and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We actually met in college, 10 years before we started dating. We were
friendly with each other but mutual friends kept us in contact much more so
than our own friendship. We reconnected at a party where Claire was
overserved and allegedly hit on Daniel. I don’t believe it but Daniel is
adamant it happened. A hang out followed, which is still hotly contested
as our first date- or not! It was a great time and the familiarity in our
past helped catapult us right into dating!
At the zoo of course! Just a regular November day the two of us out for a
morning stroll. I knew we’d made a ring but had no idea when or where he
would surprise me with it, or if it was even done! He’d had it in his
pocket and sprung it on me right at the start. Every time we visit we
always go back to our little spot.
Kasia Jewelry is the everyday symbol of our commitment and affection for
each other.
We went downtown together to look at diamonds she sourced for us. She found
the perfect round and I got to go take a peek at it before handing the
reigns over to Daniel. I discussed with Kasia some of the things I
envisioned for my ring, my stack, and she lead Daniel through the decision
making process and the two of them created the most beautiful story. Daniel
picked out three stacking bands to accent my solitaire and he did such a
great job with her guidance. I don’t always wear them all, I don’t always
wear them in the same order. Each day and each mood dictate how my story
will look on my hand and I love it! I love that I can change it up, scale
it back or really show off with all of them.
For our wedding we went back and picked out 3 earrings I would wear to
celebrate our day. I’ve never taken them out 3 years later and they’re
still sparkly and gorgeous! Memories to last a lifetime.
We recently added another band to my wedding stack and each time I get to
meet with Kasia her genuine kindness and beautiful artistry are on full
display. Soon I will have Kasia start to work on a custom right hand piece
and we’ll turn another page on our story.
Photos by Alyssa Boynton Photogoraphy.
Gold has long been used in jewelry creations all over the world, dating back to its earliest recorded use in ancient times circa 4000 B.C. Since its introduction to the world of fashion and beauty, gold has historically become the most popular type of metal used in jewelry to date. It has also branched out into what we now recognize as gold karat and types of gold: Rose, White, and the coveted Yellow gold ranging from 8k-24k. Aside from their differences in color, these different golds also vary in composition, containing different combinations of mixed alloys which influence the metals durability. Let's throw platinum as the queen of all metals into the mix and ask a question: So how does one decide which metal is best for them?
Let’s find out.
Gold is measured by karat, or purity. This is determined by the ratio of pure gold to metal alloys in pieces of jewelry, meaning the higher the karat, the greater the amount of pure gold used, with 24k being the highest and 10k being the lowest accepted rate in the US. Although it may seem intuitive to want the highest karat gold in your jewelry as possible, if it's not being purchased as an investment, then pure 24k gold may not be the best option because of its soft and extremely malleable nature. As the rating lowers on the karat scale, the hardness and durability increases as the other mixed in alloys offer added strength to the jewelry. This is why 14k is the most common gold found in fine jewelry containing 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloys which contribute to its hardness. Aside from karat consideration, you’ll also want to think about what metal color will best fit your skin tone, maintenance considerations and last but not least, how the center stone looks like with that particular metal (our specialty in guiding!).
14k White gold will contain a mixture of pure gold with palladium, silver, nickel and zinc. This combination of alloys contributes not only to the paler coloring, but also increases its hardness and durability. Although it's important to keep in mind that white gold will need to be refinished with rhodium plating at least yearly to maintain its silvery-white color.
14k Rose gold is a mixture of pure gold with copper and silver alloys. This combination also makes rose gold a more durable metal type with the amount of copper in it influencing both the rosy color and hardness. Copper allergy prone clients - not your metal choice. Family of colder color metals, best suitable for colorless (D-F) or near colorless (G-J) diamonds.
14k Yellow gold The most hypoallergenic of all three gold colors. We specifically love it for its purest color of all golds, warm tones, corresponding perfectly with lower color diamonds, making them appear more colorless than when set with white, rose gold or platinum. One thing to keep in mind when selecting gold is its malleability, it is more susceptible to losing its shape.
Platinum The Rolls Royce of metals we like to call it. Different in composition and price from its gold friends, platinum is going to be the most durable of metals and a great option if you plan on having a piece that can withstand any wear and tear. In regards to esthetics, white gold and platinum look nearly identical, the main difference being the higher price of platinum, roughly by 40-50%. Lastly, the only treatment needed is polishing of the metal, not needed to be done as often as rhodium plating on white gold. Platinum will always be our GO TO when it comes to the least amount of maintenance and durability. Available upon request.
With quality being our first and foremost importance, it’s important to remember that engagement rings are built differently than wedding bands. Center stone of the engagement ring needs significantly more metal to hold it in place. Weight of the stone and height of the setting are just a few factors to consider during the process of design. Knowing that the center stone is going to be almost always sitting at the highest point of the finger, the outside “world” makes it most susceptible and prone to damage. We can not speak enough about the importance of caring for your jewelry, above being one of the main reasons as to why. Somewhat contrary, the composition of the wedding bands doesn’t allow the same amount of metal around the stone, in order to see the significantly smaller stones. Design of some bands in particular, doesn’t call for or allow for a lot of metal in particular. Because of that, it is very important to understand the build of each band (shared prongs being more prone to damage when not cared for appropriately - learn more about shared prongs here) and the type of metal that it is made out of, in order to make the best decision that’s appropriate to individual lifestyle and expectations. (We’re always full of suggestions!)
Now that we’ve covered durability of the different metals and how they can complement your lifestyle, let’s cover a few more important “to-knows” when shopping for different metal jewelry.
Specifically when speaking to engagement rings or rings with different stones in them, you should consider how the color of the stone will react with the selected metal color. For example, near colorless diamonds (G,H,I,J) will almost always look more white against 14k yellow when compared to 14k white gold or platinum since the warmer metal color makes the otherwise warm toned diamonds appear more white. Something to think about! How can we help you with that decision? When designing engagement rings in particular, Kasia always looks at the stone first and sets it into a metal that is most suitable for the stone itself.
Also keep in mind, the more gold is in a metal (such as 100% pure 24k gold) the more saturated the color will be. Pure gold has a vivid, almost orange color to it as opposed to 14k-18k gold which will carry much more subtle tones due to the other alloys mixed into it.
All in all, the metal you select should speak to not only your fashion sense, but also to your lifestyle. Consider how you plan to wear a piece of jewelry in your day-to-day life, and remember everything you now know about the different types of metal they can be made in.
We hope this gives an insight into picking the perfect piece for your growing Kasia Jewelry collection! Still indecisive? We are certainly here to help!
]]>If you’ve been here before, first, welcome back! Second, you might’ve noticed we’ve had a bit of a facelift for the new year. With that comes a lot of changes - all for the better, all very exciting!
You can now shop any collection in a much more customized way. On a tight deadline? Have a specific stone you love? Want to shop based on your style? You can do it all using the filters feature now live on the website!
Simply navigate to any of the collections and look for the filter button in the top left corner. You’ll be able to select the stone, style, type and more to shop for pieces you truly know and love. Whether you’re shopping for wedding bands, engagement rings, necklaces or earrings, filters are available for all shopping experiences.
Not only can you filter the type of pieces you want to see, but you can also now filter based on your timeline. Select Ready to Ship to see all of our in-stock pieces or Made to Order if you’re in less of a rush and wish to have a piece made just for you.
That’s right, our production times are cutting down in the new year! Most of our rings and bands in the Made to Order collection can now be expected in 3-4 weeks' time. Even if we don’t have your desired metal color or size in stock, we can still deliver faster than ever.
We’ll be launching our “Shop the Look” feature very soon! If you know us, you know we always aim to inspire. On most of the pieces, you can find pairing photos based on looks that inspire both our clients and us; and soon, you can actually shop those same looks when you find a pairing that speaks to you! Simply hover over the “Shop This Look” button and you’ll be able to click right into the other pieces featured in the pairing.
We invite you to explore the new, elevated Kasia Jewelry experience - happy shopping!
]]>Let's go back, WAY BACK...
Between the 1890s and 1930s, Old European Cut diamonds were 100% hand cut making them each completely unique, with its own story to tell. Mother nature created, human hands perfected, these intricately crafted gems were specifically made to shine in candlelit settings, which is why they were cut with dispersion or “fire” of multicolor reflections always in mind. This is the main feature and cut differentiation which distinguishes an Old European Cut diamond from a Modern Round Brilliant Cut diamond; the more widely popular gem used in modern jewelry for its sparkle and brilliance and cut mostly for fluorescence light to show its best features.
Did you know....
With current machine and tool precisions, Modern Cut diamonds can be stylized to look like Old European Cut diamonds, made using modern techniques and wanting to look like an old cut diamond! Yet another reason why these authentic Old European Cut diamonds are a true rarity!
Last but not least...Role switch!
With sustainability and eco-friendliness in mind, Kasia decided to hold on to the original vintage settings and give them a new life with stones that feel more appropriate and bring modern feel out of perfectly vintage settings! You'll find modern cut onyx laid in antique platinum and 18k white gold settings, made to reinvent heirlooms for generations to come. The hand-etched, intricately detailed and most importantly original settings really speak to the soul that these pieces carry and can continue to be carried on.
We invite you to take a peek into this collection’s vintage meets modern feel and fall in love as if it was 1920 mixed with all things new!
]]>This archaic gem dates back centuries serving as jewelry for ancient Egypt’s rulers and over 3,000 years ago was often even carved by Chinese artisans.
Turquoise is a powerful gem representing wisdom, protection, tranquility, hope and good fortune, so it's no wonder the Native Americans would use this gem so often in ceremonies and celebrations! Not only does this stone generate incredible energy, but it can be used to create some magical, unique, statement jewelry pieces.
One of the best features of Turquoise is that each piece is truly one-of-a-kind. Its distinguishably intense hues of light blue to greenish-blue can range from semi-translucent to fully opaque with some even having matrix patterns created by remnants of the rock the gem was harvested from. The most valuable turquoise is considered to be that which has no matrix pattern, an even medium blue color, and can be easily polished.
Turquoise is considered to be a more delicate gem. Ranging anywhere from 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale, this stone does require a little extra TLC to ensure its longevity! We recommend you care for your more delicate pieces, like turquoise, by storing it away from the rest of your jewelry so as to avoid scratching or damaging the stone. Clean it with warm, soapy water, but avoid high heat as this can cause surface damage or discoloration. With mindful care, turquoise can be an excellent everyday wear statement piece!
December babes, being bold and strong-willed, you are deserving of a birthstone that mirrors those beautiful qualities - Turquoise will not disappoint!
Adorn yourself in some of our statement turquoise pieces pictured below.