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  A diamond tennis necklace is a classic and elegant piece of jewelry that can be styled in different ways to suit different occasions. Here are three ways to wear a diamond tennis necklace: Formal occasions: For a formal event, pair the necklace with a sleek and simple black gown or a sophisticated pantsuit. Opt for a hairdo that will show off the necklace, such as a low bun or a sleek ponytail. Keep the rest of the jewelry minimal to let the necklace shine. Casual daytime wear: For a more casual daytime look, layer the necklace with other delicate necklaces, like the popular paperclip link, or wear it on its own with a simple blouse or t-shirt. This will add a touch of elegance to your outfit without looking too formal. Pair it with jeans or a midi skirt for a chic and stylish look. Business attire: If you're dressing up for a business meeting or an important work event, wear the necklace with a crisp white shirt or a tailored blazer. This will add a touch of sophistication to your outfit and make you feel confident and powerful.  The Diamond Riviera Necklace A Riviera diamond necklace is a classic and elegant necklace style that features a continuous line of diamonds set in a single row or multiple rows. The necklace is typically made of high-quality diamonds that are set in a delicate and intricate setting, and the diamonds are usually round or princess-cut. The name "Riviera" comes from the glamorous French Riviera, where wealthy vacationers have long worn exquisite diamond jewelry. The Riviera diamond necklace is often considered a symbol of luxury and sophistication, and it is a popular choice for brides to wear on their wedding day or for special occasions such as anniversaries or formal events. The length of the Riviera diamond necklace can vary, from choker-length to longer styles that rest at the collarbone. Some styles may also feature a pendant or additional diamonds for added sparkle and interest. The necklace can be worn on its own as a statement piece or layered with other delicate necklaces for a more casual look. The Diamond Tennis Necklace A diamond tennis necklace is a type of necklace that features a continuous string of diamonds set in a line around the neck. The name "tennis" comes from a famous incident in the 1987 US Open tennis championship, where tennis player Chris Evert's diamond bracelet fell off during a match and she stopped play until it was found. After this incident, diamond bracelets similar to the one worn by Chris Evert became known as "tennis bracelets", and the same style was later applied to necklaces to create the diamond tennis necklace. The diamonds in a tennis necklace are usually round or princess-cut and are set in a delicate and intricate setting. The necklace is typically made of high-quality diamonds that are carefully matched for clarity, color, and cut to ensure a uniform and sparkling appearance. Diamond tennis necklaces are often considered a classic and timeless piece of jewelry that can be worn for any occasion, from formal events to everyday wear. They are a popular choice for brides to wear on their wedding day and can also make a beautiful gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or other special occasions. The length of the necklace can vary, from choker-length to longer styles that rest at the collarbone, and they can be worn on their own as a statement piece or layered with other delicate necklaces for a more casual look.

Imagine a diamond that's as good as the real deal, but without the high ticket price and ethical issues. That's where lab-grown diamonds come in! These diamonds are created in a laboratory using technology that mimics the natural process of diamond formation. The end result? A diamond that's made up of the same carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure as natural diamonds, giving them almost identical chemical and physical properties. How do they look? Lab-grown diamonds have the same sparkle, fire, and brilliance as natural diamonds, and sometimes look even better than natural diamonds because they're grown in a controlled environment, resulting in fewer inclusions and blemishes. How are they made? Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are created in a laboratory using advanced technology that replicates the natural process of diamond formation. These lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, making them almost as good as natural diamonds.   GIA Certified The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a non-profit organization that is considered to be one of the most reputable and respected institutions in the field of gemology. The GIA was founded in 1931 and has since become a leading authority on diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls. One of the most well-known services provided by the GIA is its diamond grading system, which is used by jewelers and consumers around the world to determine the quality of a diamond. The GIA is also known for its development of the 4Cs grading system, which evaluates diamonds based on their carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. The GIA grades lab-grown diamonds using the same standards and criteria that are used to grade natural diamonds. The GIA issues a Diamond Grading Report for lab-grown diamonds that provides a detailed description of the diamond's characteristics, including its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality. It's worth noting that while lab-grown diamonds have similar physical and chemical properties to natural diamonds, they are not identical. Therefore, the GIA issues a separate report for lab-grown diamonds, to distinguish them from natural diamonds. Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds Pros and Cons When it comes to diamonds, there are a lot of financial factors to consider, so here are some pros and cons of lab-grown vs natural diamonds: Pros of Lab-Grown Diamonds: More Affordable: Lab-grown diamonds are generally less expensive than natural diamonds. You can save a lot of moolah while still getting a high-quality diamond that sparkles just as much as the real thing. Predictable Pricing: The price of natural diamonds can be influenced by factors like mining costs and supply and demand. With lab-grown diamonds, the pricing is more predictable, so you can budget with more confidence. Bigger and Better: Because lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, you can afford a bigger and more sparkly diamond than you would with a natural diamond. Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lower Resale Value: Lab-grown diamonds have a lower resale value than natural diamonds. So if you plan on selling your diamond in the future, you may not get as much bang for your buck. Not as Prestigious: Some people may see lab-grown diamonds as less prestigious than natural diamonds, which could impact their perceived value and status. Pros of Natural Diamonds: Long-Term Investment: Natural diamonds are a long-term investment that can hold their value over time, making them a great choice for heirlooms or gifts. Emotional Value: Natural diamonds have a certain emotional value that lab-grown diamonds may not be able to match. There's something special about a diamond that has been around for millions of years and has a natural origin story. Cons of Natural Diamonds: Expensive: Natural diamonds are expensive! Like, really expensive. They can cost a small fortune, making them a luxury purchase that not everyone can afford. Unpredictable Pricing: As mentioned earlier, natural diamonds' price can be influenced by various factors, making their pricing less predictable. So, there you have it - the pros and cons of lab-grown vs natural diamonds. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your preferences and priorities. But no matter what you choose, make sure it sparkles! Are you looking to buy a diamond? Come to the store and we will help you make an informed decision about lab grown or natural diamonds. 

How to tell if a diamond is real? You may have just received an heirloom you’re curious about, or one of the diamonds you’ve received seems a bit fishy. Of course, consulting an expert is best, but if you want to satiate your curiosity quickly and without leaving your home, here are a couple of tests you can to tell a real diamond from a fake one: The Water Test One of the simplest tests you can do to see if you have a real diamond on your hands is the water test. Fill up ¾ of a glass of water (it doesn’t matter which water you use) and gently drop the diamond into the glass.Because a real diamond has high density, it will sink in the water. If, however, it floats either underneath or at the surface, its density is not at the right level for a diamond, and you, unfortunately, have a fake on your hands. The Fog Test For this test, all you need is your breath! Hold the diamond (it doesn’t have to be loose!) close to your mouth and breathe onto it, like you would if you wanted to fog up a mirror. A light fog should appear on the surface of the stone.Since diamonds conduct heat effectively, the fog should disperse fairly quickly. If it takes several seconds for the fog to disappear completely, the diamond is likely fake. The Newspapers or the Dots Test One of the most important qualities of a diamond is its ability to reflect light – that’s that brilliance we’re all enchanted by! If you suspect your diamond doesn’t have a gleam it should have, you can check it with these simple tests.Gently place your diamond, flat side down, on a piece of newspaper that has a lot of lettering. The light that falls on the stone should be bright, and make sure not a single shadow falls on the stone. Look through your diamond. If it’s real, you will not be able to read the letters. The light refracts in such a way, it should be impossible for you to see clearly through it.The dots test is similar to the newspaper test. Draw a small dot on a piece of white paper. Then, put that paper on a flat surface. Place your gemstone on the dot, flat side down. Look down on the paper through the pointed end of the diamond. If you cannot see the dot, your gemstone is real. Black Light In case you have a UV light lying around, you can use it to check if your diamond is the real deal. First, turn off the light and place the diamond in front of the UV light beam. Most diamonds react with a UV light and will emit a bluish glow. If you see a glow tinted in any other color, or no glow at all, the diamond may be fake.The UV test is not definitive, so don’t lose hope just yet! Some real diamonds will not emit any kind of glow, and if you’re still unsure, it’s best to take it to a jeweler (we at Santayana can happily make that test for you!). Heating the Stone If you don’t mind potentially shattering your stone, you can test the diamond by heating it. To do this test, first, fill a drinking glass with cold water. Heat the diamond under a flame (a lighter will do) for about 40 seconds, then drop it into the chilly water. If the stone shatters, it’s not a diamond.Remember that all of these at home tests are good if you want to satiate your curiosity, but for a more definitive answer, you’ll want an expert.Do you have an heirloom stone you want to test safely? Bring it over to one of our stores, and we’ll help you!

How do you show your father how much you appreciate him? Father’s Day is almost here, and we have some suggestions if you’ve run out of ideas! This year, June 17th is the day when we celebrate fatherhood, honor fathers and show our appreciation for the men in our lives who brought us happiness, comfort, and love since we were children. Father’s Day is a tradition that has lasted more than a century, and the time has come again to show our Dads how much they mean to us. In case you can’t quite figure out what to get your father, look no further! We have some suggestions for Father’s Day gifts we think all fathers will appreciate: Cufflinks One good idea for a father’s day present is a pair of cufflinks. If your father has never worn cufflinks before, consider buying him a pair and offering him a new way of expressing himself. Accessorizing a shirt with a pair of cufflinks can make even the most mundane outfit impressive and well put together. Or it can let your father’s personality shine through. If your father is a cufflinks veteran, you can always get him a new pair. Maybe a novelty pair of cufflinks is missing from his collection? We offer a wide variety of cufflinks – from Stormtroopers, Caja China and a pair of cufflinks with the word Fuacata on them, to cufflinks decorated with the Cuban crest and more formal, subdued styles – there is something for every father’s taste. All the cufflinks are made of sterling silver and designed and manufactured by Santayana jewelers. Rings Another good idea for a gift would be a well-designed ring. If your father has a taste for good rings, you could get him one that will be a great addition to his collection. Our rings range from more simple rings of sterling silver that feature a Cuban crest, to rings with more detailed designs. A Carreta ring, made of sterling silver and a white onyx stone, represents the Cuban exile experience. It’s designed by our own designers and, with its symbols of a key, a palm tree, and a Carreta, it proudly represents the experience of many Cubans. Keychains If you want something different, you can present your father with a keychain. Our keychains are sterling silver, decorated with the Cuban crest. This kind of a present is both simple and a perfect token of gratitude and love you can get for your father. Every time he dangles his keys, the keychain can remind him of your appreciation. Pendants In case your father already owns all the jewelry he wants and is not too keen on adding another piece to his collection, consider getting him a pendant. This way your father can decide where, when and how to wear it. Our pendants are made of sterling silver and designed by our own designers in Miami. As with all our jewelry, we can offer you a variety of styles and designs. From pendants that are decorated with a simple crest to more detailed designs. The Carreta pendant, for example, would be a perfect addition to the Carreta ring. It features the same design and symbolic meaning, but since it’s a pendant, it can offer your father a chance to wear in more than one way. Another choice could be a Havana crest pendant that can also be changed and moved from necklace to necklace. No matter your father’s personal taste and style, we think you can find something for him among our cufflinks, pendants, keychains, or rings. Whatever you choose to get him, just remember to tell your father how much you truly appreciate him. If you think your father would like some jewelry, buy online now so that your present can arrive just in time for Father’s Day!

You must have heard about this new bridal trend – wedding ring stacking! Perfectly coordinated rings nestled one on top of the other that give off the poise, beauty, and elegance of a love eternal. If you’re wondering what’s the best way to stack your rings, keep reading – we have the perfect wedding ring stacking tips! Lately, wedding ring stacking has become increasingly popular – it looks absolutely stunning and it can showcase your sense of style! If you too took a shine to the brilliance of wedding ring stacking, here are some tips to make your wedding ring stack special: Three bands or two? We all know the tradition – first comes the engagement ring, the flashy, wow-factor of your finger, then comes the wedding band, perhaps more subtle, but just as reflective of the devotion to your partner. However, when it comes to wedding ring stacking, sometimes a third band appears. Three rings stacked on your finger that represents eternal love and the union with your partner can look absolutely gorgeous. But what is that third ring? The third ring in your stack can symbolize a number of things. Most commonly, you can choose to commemorate one of your anniversaries with a third band or even the arrival of your child. A third ring to add to your stack can be a beautiful way to mark a new milestone in your relationship. Really, it’s a question of style and taste. There is definitely more space to experiment and showcase your own personal style with three rings, and you might think it just looks prettier and more symmetrical too! Nesting and stacking If you really want to showcase your engagement ring, you can choose a curved wedding band. Since it’ll come before the engagement ring itself, the curve can cushion the engagement ring stone and make it more prominent – as if it was on a platform. You can add a third band above it, curved in the opposite direction from the wedding band, and that way your engagement ring will be perfectly framed. But who says great big stones are the only way to go? A number of bands can stack wonderfully! Plain stacked bands can accentuate your finger, look beautiful, and you won’t have to worry about chipping or losing your stone! For extra wow, if your bands have stones, you don’t have to line them up in an orderly vertical line. Position them so that the stones are all over the place – just the way you want it. This will definitely catch everyone’s eyes, and also it can reduce potential damage since the stones won’t bump into each other. Mix it up! Be brave – just like the old adage that you should always match your shoes to your bag and belt, the time of uniform rings is out! An increasingly popular way of making a wedding ring stack is mixing and matching metals and stones. One band can be rose gold, another white gold, the third yellow gold. Together these look stunning, and if it fits your taste – why not try it? Different gemstones on each band can work just as well. Small or large, in shades of one color, or three different colors, don’t be afraid to make bold choices! No matter which style of ring you choose, your wedding is something truly special. With these tips, we at Santayana hope we helped you with our little wedding ring stacking guide. We can offer you a multitude of beautiful rings, from simple bands to sparkly show-stoppers – all the better to experiment with creating your own special stack! Our shops have a variety of rings, ready for that special moment. Whether you decided to stack them, or not, come shop online!

The saying “quality over quantity” applies to not only the friends we make throughout our lives but also the gifts we give them. We can all remember a gift a friend gave us, you may have smiled when receiving it, but thought “seriously, you think I’ll like this”. In comparison, you can also probably remember receiving a gift that was thoughtful and exactly what you like but maybe never even thought of buying for yourself. There are many benefits of having good friends and receiving thoughtful gifts is just one of them. Now, you may be thinking “Am I a bad friend... I have no idea what to buy”, don’t worry we’re here to help! Here at Santayana, we have been in the business of helping people find the perfect gift for over 30 years, and today, we’re going to be sharing 5 of our top gift ideas for friends in 2018. Charms Perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday, Mother’s Day, or even just because. Charms are for everyone. Yes, even men! We have a unique collection of Cuban charms that make the perfect gift. Think about the friend your buying a gift for and think of the things they savor most in life, maybe it’s simply a great cup of coffee, a good board game or a cheeky cocktail. We’ve got the perfect charm bracelet for them. A Good Book Who doesn’t love curling up with a good book? They’re ideal for anyone at any age. There are more and more studies showing the benefits of reading more and who would want to hold a friend back from reaping these benefits? There are some great books coming out in 2018 to keep on your radar. If you see one a friend would like then make a note or pre-order it. Customize A truly one of a kind customized gift is one your friend will always treasure. It could be a customized necklace, coffee mug or t-shirt, personalized gifts are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Our team at Santayana can help you create a one of a kind customized piece of jewelry. Just get in touch with us. Tickets Whether it is to see a theatre show, band, concert, comedian or even a vacation. Giving tickets as a gift is a wonderful way of giving your friend something they might not thought of buying for themselves. A passport to an amazing experience and the chance to create a memory worth remembering.   The Gift of Joy This gift is not only for the special person you are giving the gift to, it’s also for you the giver. When we give without expecting anything in return, we enter a secret barter and can end up receiving the gift of joy in return. Isn’t this a beautiful and humane concept? We’re here to help you fully enjoy the gift of giving. Feel free to browse our beautiful products and don’t be afraid to give us a call if you have any questions.

Jewelry has been used throughout history as a way to convey status, style, religious beliefs, romantic commitment, and even traded as a currency. These beautiful pieces of wearable art often carry memories for the owner.