Ooh! Aah! Jewelry Albuquerque New Mexico

UNIQUE & CHIC JEWELRY

The Ooh! Aah! Guide to Solitaires

Wedding JewelryMary Vigil

Solitaires have been one of the most popular engagement ring designs for generations. Their elegant simplicity fits a multitude of aesthetics and stand the test of time. We’ll walk you through the history of solitaires, what they are, and why they are our go to!

First thing’s first- what is a solitaire? The word solitaire is used to describe a piece of jewelry with one stone.  The stone can be any shape, and you can set the stone in many ways, although the term is closely associated with round brilliant stones in a simple four prong setting.

The first solitaire setting was produced by Tiffany and Co and featured a round brilliant diamond in 6 prongs. This popularization led to four prong, eight prong, and bezel set variations, and the setting of different shaped center stones as a way to make the style more specific to each couple’s tastes. 

We love solitaires. We love their simplicity, the romance of showing off the stone you picked,  and most of all that you can change them with a simple band!  They’re a great choice for a client who is sure of their partner, but not sure of their taste!  They’re a great design that fits into many budgets as you can pick from a variety of center stones and metal options. 

With any engagement ring, there are a couple of things to consider- like whether they have a favorite stone shape or metal color, but there are a couple of things to think of in particular when you are shopping for solitaires. Does your partner have a job where they use their hands a lot? If so, you may want to try a solitaire that sits lower on the hand to prevent spinning, and the stone getting stuck on objects throughout the day. 

See what kind of wedding bands your partner likes- and make sure the ring is compatible. Some rings sit very low, which feels comfortable but doesn’t always leave room to fit a wedding band flush with their engagement ring. If you are wanting to surprise your significant other you can check out their social media boards or ask a close confidant!

As always, we are here to help! If you want to start designing your own solitaire come into the shop during business hours or contact us for appointment availability.




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All "Sets" for the Holidays

SeasonalMary Vigil

Did the holidays sneak up on? They sneaked up on us! With current COVID-19 restrictions, shopping looks a little different this year. To try and help you all out, our staff has put together a collection of our favorite sets! Mix, match, and be merry!

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Labradorite and Diamonds in Dark Rhodium

Earrings $395 Necklace $155

Our dark rhodium and diamond collecting is a staff and customer favorite. The dark patina applied to sterling silver makes the micro pave diamonds on each piece sparkle bright. This collection puts diamonds and fine gemstones (like these ultra opulent rose cut labradorites) in a great gift giving price point.

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Labradorite Strand and Statement Earrings

Necklace: Made to Order, Contact us for pricing and stone size options. Earrings $56

More labradorite! We love that this stone has a little bit of color change- its signature flashes of blue, green, gold, and violet- which makes it an easy match with nearly whatever you want to wear. Labradorite is also said to grant protection and help strengthen intuition. We could all use a little labradorite in our lives right now.

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Lapis Lazuli Set

Necklace $52 Earrings $32

Lapis- a southwestern staple! Identified by it’s distinct cobalt blue and golden flecks. We love this pairing with simple sterling silver capped droplets and smooth finished beads which feel soft against the skin. Both pieces pair nicely with other jewelry styles, and we love layering strands with mid length necklaces.

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Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver

Necklace $107 Earrings $49

A more classic lapis look, this set would play nicely with the set above or by itself. We love the linear facets on this pendant which help this gorgeous stone catch the light, and the detailed metal work on the side of the studs. We can’t wait to see who we get to gift-wrap these for!

Mixed Metal Universe Set

Necklace $95 Earrings $42

“You are my sun, my moon and all of my stars.” We love love- so we fall in love with any celestial inspired piece of jewelry we see as it reminds us of this dreamy EE Cummings quote. This necklace features yellow, white, and dark bronze Sun, Moon and star pendants with a hammer-set white sapphire. The earrings are engraved vermeil beads on sterling silver ear-wires. This pairing focuses on tiny intentional details that feel special.

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Mixed Metal Square Set

Necklace $52 Earrings $52

More tiny details! Simple sets like these are a great option for when you aren’t quite sure what jewelry styles the recipient likes. Brushed finishes and mixed metal settings help the pieces feel special, and can easily be incorporated into anyone’s collection. Contact us to inquire about availability!

Mixed Metal Square and Pendulum Set

Necklace $52 Earrings $54

Now, we’ll jazz it up! Replace a tiny earring with a larger earring with movement. Our mixed metal pendulum earrings are a great lightweight option that could easily become someone’s new favorite earring. With gold and silver tones, they match everything. The chain provides movement for a comfortable all day wear.

Sterling Silver Locket Set

Necklace $42 Earrings $42

A present for mom! Lockets are a great way to make a gift feel personal for the matriarch in your family. The delicate engraving and small size feel whimsical and modern. Both in sterling silver, they will be kind to skin and age nicely. Contact us for availability.

Ice Blue Firefly Set

Necklace $65 Earrings $66

Of course, fan favorite Firefly Collection is a solid choice. These unique pieces play off of each other making it easy to build a collection- like these two pieces that use different shapes in the same color story. Swarovski Crystals add bold color and sparkle while keeping these intricate pieces in a friendly price range, should we wrap them up for you?

Rose Gold and Diamond Set

Necklace $552 Earrings $780

Rosé, roses, rose gold, romance- you get it! We have a variety of pave diamond disc necklaces at the shop right now. They are a fine jewelry staple. We like to pair them with a funky stud for a sleek minimal look.

Rose Gold and Diamond Pave Disc Set

Earrings $360 Necklace $552

This pairing is a great option as well! A classic matching set that works together or separate. Studs are a great option for new moms! Tiny humans tend to grab dangling earrings-ouch! Rose gold is a great option for people who like to mix metals. It mixes well with silver and gold toned pieces and is a great way to broaden someone’s collection.

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Green Ayala Barr Set

Every time we order Ayala Barr her pieces fly out of the shop! With Holiday zoom parties fast approaching, this line is the perfect statement line to show up on a virtual holiday party. We would suggest giving these as an early gift so your loved one can wear the pieces during holiday celebrations! Contact us to inquire about availability!

Ayala Bar Holiday Set

Merry and Bright! More from Ayala, this set reminds us of gorgeous poinsettias in rich crimson shades. Red is a power color, a statement. These gorgeous one of a kind pieces are a great gift for a bold loved one. Every detail is intentional, and the longer you admire them, the more you find to love. Contact us to inquire about availability!