Before the introduction of the David Yurman Albion collection, colorful gemstones were typically reserved for special occasion or evening jewelry. However, the breakout Albion collection redefined jewelers’ approach to gemstones and made these bold and sprightly stones appropriate for every day wear.

A cornerstone of this popular collection are the Albion rings. Distinguished for their impressive center gemstones, often set with a halo of small diamonds, that gently curve outward in a beautiful checkerboard motif.

Here we explain how to spot a real from a fake David Yurman Albion ring.

Look at the Albion Ring’s sizing area.
The cables of an authentic David Yurman Albion ring twist all the way around the shank and carry through to the inside of the ring. There is only a very small section on the inside bottom of the ring that is smooth to allow for sizing. Knock-off David Yurman rings, however, are often smooth along the entire inside which makes for a very quick-and-easy giveaway that you are looking at a fake.

Evaluate the overall symmetry of the Albion ring.
Genuine David Yurman Albion rings are very symmetrical. The two cabled bands (or shanks) are evenly sized and spaced at the top of the ring, underneath the setting.

Phony Albion rings, however, are usually less precise. The cabled shanks are often slightly different widths. It can be hard to notice the difference between the two bands at first glance, but, if you follow them up towards the setting, you’ll notice that the bands are asymmetrical and not spaced evenly on either side at the base of the gemstone setting.

Be cautious of genuine materials.
Curiously enough, some convincing knock-off Albion rings will be made with authentic gemstones, diamonds, or sterling silver. So, even if the ring is made with genuine fine materials and stones, it’s not an immediate indicator that it’s real.

But a tell-tale sign that the Albion ring is fake is the faceting of the gemstone. David Yurman uses a very special faceting technique that gives the center gemstones of its Albion rings that unique convex checkerboard motif. It’s very hard for forgers to replicate that faceting so fake Albion rings will often have a checkerboard motif with larger squares.

Examine the Albion ring’s cabling.
The David Yurman Albion ring features two cable bands that start at the corners of the stone’s setting and gently taper closer together at the bottom of the ring or the base of the ring shank. On a real David Yurman Albion ring, the cabling of each band will twist in the opposite direction and meet in a chevron pattern at the bottom of the ring. Fake David Yurman rings, however, will usually feature cables that twist in the same direction.

This doesn’t apply to every David Yurman ring but it’s good to take note and see if your ring in question checks off any other red flag boxes on this list.

Get an expert opinion.
The only real way to determine the authenticity of your David Yurman ring is to bring it to a jeweler. A jeweler can thoroughly examine the item, looking for signatures and other miniscule details that will definitively sniff out a real from a fake David Yurman Albion ring.

To learn more about TrueFacet’s authentication process, check out our blog post on the topic here!

The fashion forecast for 2019 calls for serious “look-at-me” statement jewelry, some of which are bold and modern riffs on classic jewelry styles. Check out our list of five jewelry trends you should try this year!

1. Pinky Rings

This trend is a carry-over from 2018 but pinky rings are expected to grow in popularity. To master this trend, lean into the retro appeal of pinky rings that enjoyed their heyday in early 19th century Parisian fashion. Look for vintage (or vintage-inspired) pinky rings with a thin band, filigree detailing, and, if you’re so inclined, perhaps a delicate diamond setting.

2. Thick Gold Hoops Earrings

Hoop earrings are a foundational part of any jewelry collection—up there alongside a pair of diamond studs, a statement cuff, and a classic timepiece. However, this year, tastes are gravitating towards thicker and bigger gold hoop earrings. As a very general rule of thumb, be aware of your personal comfort level when it comes to the weight of your earrings. Heavy earrings can uncomfortably pull on your lobes so you may want to limit wearing weightier styles just for an evening.

3. Heavy Chain Jewelry

Forget the delicate layered chains of 2018, the new year is all about chain jewelry with over-sized links. Necklaces and bracelets alike are being pumped up in size to make for a dramatic twist on this jewelry basic. For the truly daring, consider adding a chain-link choker necklace that sits higher on your neck or collar bone. This bold style pairs perfectly with a crisp white button up and jeans.

4. Coin Charm Bracelets and Necklaces

Coin jewelry is one of those trends that frequently comes and goes and, when it comes to 2019, it’s “in,” in a big way. Skip the single coin pendants in favor of layers of coin necklaces and charm bracelets bedecked with dangling coins. We particularly love coin necklaces with a heavier chain that puts a youthful and edgy spin on the overall charm-bracelet-meets-necklace look.

5. Colorful Enamel Jewelry

Enamel jewelry saw an uptick in popularity in late 2018 and is sticking around through 2019. Be on the lookout for oversized bangles and cuffs made of colorful enamel to infuse your wardrobe with playful touches. When it comes to carrying for your new enamel jewelry, a little warm water and mild liquid soap is all you need to keep it clean. Steer clear of liquid jewelry cleaners which may be too harsh for enamel.

Our watch brand choice is definitely a reflection of your character. Read on to see what your watch brand says about your style!

Omega

Omega has been a huge and longtime industry game-changer, breaking records in diving and aviation watches and churning out most stylishly sporty watches like the Seamaster Aquaterra and Speedmaster. Omega watches are less flashy than Rolex but still widely respected as one of the best Swiss watch brands.

The Omega man is a bit of an engineering and science nerd, fascinated by space and ocean exploration. That said, you learn best by doing. It’s not enough for you to visit the planetarium or watch a documentary about ocean currents. Instead, you signed up for sailing lessons and can now tie a bowline like a real sea dog. You throw yourself into all your passions and love broadening your horizons with real hands-on learning.

As far as your style goes, Omega wearers are not so bogged down with fashion—they’re too much on the go—but that doesn’t mean you’ll throw on dirty t-shirt and jeans with holes and call it a day. You care about how you present yourself but don’t like to think too much about it. You have a closet of go-to combos that always look spot on: a cashmere sweater and dark denim for date night; a grey skinny tie and hunter green chinos for work; and a suit that makes you look like a real stud.

Panerai

Panerai watches are immediately distinguished for their unique watch case shape and crown guard. Panerai watches are quickly recognized by fellow collectors in the know, but are relatively unknown to the greater public. This makes the unconventional Panerai watch a great conversation starter and has become a favorite among hip and stylish men.

If you’re a member of the Paneristi—an elite group of Panerai devotees—you are a tastemaker and not just when it comes to watches. You always know about the coolest hole-in-the-wall bars with a taco truck in the back. You were the first to sip on a CBD latte. And you never stopped collecting vinyl.

Panerai style types are the dudes who can wear anything and (to the dismay of many envious wannabes) make it look cool: white denim, AirPod earbuds, a denim shirt with blue jeans.

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe watches are the crème-de-la-crème of Swiss luxury watches. Largely considered the gold standard of watchmaking, Patek Philippe watches have a quiet elegance, thanks in large part to their no-frills cases and minimalist dials. The man who sports the luxuriously understated Patek Philippe watch exudes confidence, not arrogance.

As a Patek gentleman, you’re very cultured in a non-pretentious way; you’re simply curious and have a fascinating bank of knowledge about odd topics making you a delight to chat with at cocktail parties. You approach everything in a calm, cool, and collected manner which makes people instinctively defer to you as the unspoken leader of any work group or social circle. When you speak, people listen, not because you command attention, but because you look like a guy who just knows things.

If you’re sporting a Patek Philippe, you’re the kind of man who owns a tuxedo and knows that the pleats of a cummerbund always face upwards. You know how to put together an outfit for any occasion—golfing a client, cocktails with the in-laws, or even while doing home repairs– with Don Draper-worthy panache.

Rolex

Rolex is, by far and large, the go-to watch brand for any new or seasoned collector. The brand is universally recognized for its historic and classic timepieces that have each turned into iconic models: the Submariner, the Daytona, the Datejust.

While a Rolex watch is a luxury purchase, the Rolex wearer is very practical man. You thoroughly research any high-ticket item—a flat-screen TV, your car, even your baby’s first stroller—before you finally put down your credit card. You don’t spend your money to be flashy. Rather, you thoughtfully invest in the top-of-the-line whenever possible. So it’s only natural that you’d be drawn to a Rolex watch; they’re timeless watches and a smart investment.

Style-wise, Rolex wearers are fashionable without ever chasing a trend. Your wardrobe consists largely of button ups, crisp jeans, a smart blazer, and a handful of fitted t-shirts. You always look neat and pulled together—but never in a stuffy way.

TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer is primarily known for its close affiliation to the history of auto-racing. (After all, its signature model the TAG Heuer Carrera is named after the deadly Carrera Panamericana car race.) It makes sense that TAG Heuer would become the brand-of-choice among gear heads and low-key thrill-seekers.

If TAG Heuer is your #1 watch brand, you probably know your way around a garage and work bench like a pro. In your younger years, you were a fairly tame rebel; yeah, you went skydiving, got too many speeding tickets, and wore Converse sneakers with your tux to your prom, but it was all, in hindsight, pretty harmless. These youthful stunts surprisingly gave you street smarts and have now manifested themselves into lots of practical life skills, like how to change a tire on the side of the highway.

Step into a TAG Heuer wardrobe and you can expect to see loads of faded Levis 501s, work boots, and perfectly worn t-shirts. Your wardrobe is rugged with a nice dose of grunge but never sloppy. You’re not one to spend a lot on clothes because you love to get your hands dirty—and your shirt and jeans in the process. Fortunately, a resilient luxury watches for men and women can keep up with you.

The primary birthstone for January is garnet.

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Garnet
Because garnet ranks high on the Mohs hardness scale (at about 6.5-7.5), artifacts of garnet jewelry dating as far back as 3,100 BC remain today. From these relics, we know ancient Egyptians believed garnet was the symbol of life and would entomb pharaohs with jewelry inlaid with garnet to have in the afterlife.

Ancient Romans in the 3rd and 4th century prized garnet as they believed it could ward off diseases like the plague and protect soldiers during wartime. Carved garnet was also frequently placed within signet rings which were used to stamp the wax seal of important and confidential documents.

When huge deposits of red garnet were found in central Europe in 1500, the stone that was once largely reserved for royalty, nobility, and the clergy became more commonly available. Garnet was particularly popular during the Victorian Era (1837-1901) when it was commonly used in engagement and wedding rings.

Notable Garnet Pieces
Garnet comes in a huge array of colors, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and the most popular of all red. But the rarest shade is blue garnet. Blue garnet was first mined in the 1990s in Madagascar. Blue garnet has high amounts of the metal vanadium which makes the gem look soft blue-green in daylight and then vivid purple under incandescent light. In 2003, the most expensive blue garnet (4.2 carats) sold for a whopping $6.8 million making it one of the most expensive gemstones in the world at roughly $1.5 million per carat.

The Properties and Hardness of Garnet
Garnet is a hard gemstone at 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale with harder garnet stones being used industrially to cut steel or as a replacement for silica sand in sand blasting.

Garnets have been found naturally in orange, yellow, purple, pink, green, blue, and even colorless. The most common (and therefore most popular) shade of garnet is red and it’s oftentimes used as an affordable alternative to the rarer and more expensive ruby.

A handsome blend of history, functionality, and technical advancements, Panerai’s uniquely-shaped watch cases are perfect for the watch lover who wants a handsome and respectable timepiece that still feels ultimately special and personal.

Throughout its history, Panerai has largely rooted its innovations in its two core models: the Radiomir and the Luminor. Each model has undergone updates to its technology but with only a modest fine-tuning of its fundamental and signature Panerai aesthetic.

Here we take a high-level view of Panerai’s most iconic watch models, their fascinating history, and what distinguishes the sometimes similar-looking Radiomir and Luminor.

Panerai Radiomir

Panerai was a well-established watch brand, supplying precision and reliable timepieces to the Royal Italian Navy, by 1936 when the Panerai Radiomir was first introduced. Even still, the Radiomir was a huge step up in Panerai’s game as it continued to innovate its precise watches to deliver better and better watches to the navy. The Radiomir offered brilliant and then-unparalleled luminosity, thanks to a break through radium-based powder used to illuminate the dials.

In 1938, Panerai unveiled an updated Radiomir. This latest iteration featured what would ultimately become the Radiomir’s signature design: the sandwich dial. Instead of affixing hour markers to a flat dial, Radiomir’s dial is actually made of overlapping plates. The bottom layer is made of the luminescent radium and the second layer is all black with the numerals stenciled out to further improve the Radimoir’s underwater legibility.

Today, the Radiomir ranks as a beloved Panerai classic, emblematic of the brand’s unique naval history and ongoing technical improvements.

Panerai Luminor

In 1949, Panerai built upon its strong foundation of luminescent watches and released the appropriately named Luminor. The Luminor boasted an improved luminous tritium-based material which would eventually replace the radium-based material in all Radiomir models, too.

The Luminor was a natural evolution in the shape of the Radiomir with some very few refinements and updates. While the Luminor preserved the cushion-shaped case of the Radiomir, the bezel was flatter and wider. The Luminor was also the first Panerai watch to feature Panerai’s distinctive crown-protecting bridge. This tight seal device secured the winding crown in place to make the Luminor incredibly water resistant.

Modern collectors are usually drawn to Panerai’s unique design aesthetic and the crown-protecting bridge underscores the conversation-starting look of the Luminor.

Panerai Luminor Marina

The Panerai Luminor Marina was a part of the first collection released by Panerai after the brand was bought out (and brought out of relative obscurity) by the Richemont Group in 1997. The Luminor Marina pays tribute to the original Luminor design, with some updates to make the fundamental design more appealing to modern tastes.

Unlike the Luminor, the Luminor Marina is larger (bumped up to 47mm from 44mm of the 1993 version) and the crystal has a slight dome shape for a more elegant silhouette. The Luminor Marina also has a small seconds subdial at the 9 o’clock which further distinguishes it from the Luminor Base models.

Panerai Luminor Submersible

Given Panerai’s long history of building and perfecting diving watches, their watches don’t exactly scream “diving watch”; they’re a bit more understated. That said, the Luminor Submersible is Panerai’s most casual and overtly diving watch model.

It still has that signature Panerai clean black dial but features a unidirectional rotating bezel. In order to make it easier to spin the bezel, Panerai added teeth around the bezel’s circumference which further distinguishes the Luminor Submersible from its related Luminor Base and Luminor Marina styles.

To delve even further into the history, design, and functionality of the Luminor, check out our blog post here!

Pilot watches hold a special fascination for many seasoned and new collectors. Mid-century innovations in commercial air travel pushed many brands to truly innovate their watch technology so many pilot watches were their first of their kind.

Here we round up the world’s most iconic, historically significant, and best-selling pilot watches to add to your watch collection!

IWC Pilot Watch

IWC’s Pilot watch harkens back to the early days of aviation, blending together functionality with IWC’s signature pared down look for a distinctive watch that feels elegant while offering the same utilitarian features of traditional pilot’s watch. The crown, for example, is slightly over-sized to make it easier for early pilots (who had to fly in unheated cockpits) to set and wind their watch while wearing thick gloves and a padded flight suit.

Another key design feature of the IWC Pilot Watch is the equilateral triangle, flanked by two dots, at the 12 o’clock hour marker. This substitution was inspired by the cockpit-instrument look of 1930s and 1940s pilot watches and improved the dial’s legibility.

Breitling Navitimer

After developing the first independent chronograph push-piece in 1923, Breitling has long been considered the gold standard in aviation watches. Since that breakthrough, Breitling has focused heavily on precision timepieces specially designed for airline pilots. And in 1952, as commercial flight was booming, Breitling introduced the Navitimer.

The Navitimer was another novel design by Breitling that featured a slide rule bezel. This new rotating bezel allowed pilots to quickly calculate distance, air speed, flight time, fuel consumption, rate and time of climb and descent. The Navitimer remains one of the most beloved pilot watches, immediately recognizable for its distinctive and revolutionary bezel.

Rolex GMT Master

The Rolex GMT-Master was first introduced in 1954 for Pan American Airways pilots to wear during their long-haul and international flights. What made the Rolex GMT-Master an immediate sensation among Pan Am pilots was its rotating bezel. This breakthrough functionality allowed pilots to set the local time and a second time zone (usually Greenwich Mean Time which was then the world’s time standard) by simply rotating the 24-hour scale bezel.

Over the decades, the GMT-Master grown into an iconic Rolex model, thanks in large part to its colorful bezel which makes this classic model truly stand out from the pack.

Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster is readily recognized for its affiliation to the early days of space exploration. (To wit: it’s regularly referred to as the “First Watch on the Moon,” after astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore his NASA-certified Omega Speedmaster during his historic walk on the moon’s surface in 1969.) However, the Speedmaster only really became the watch-of-choice for astronauts because it was such a precise pilot watch.

As NASA was beefing up its space program in the late 1950s, it largely recruited seasoned test pilots. Given that the chronograph had long since been a fundamental part of a pilot’s equipment, it was naturally, in turn, adopted as a part of an astronaut’s equipment. When NASA began accepting bids for a chronograph watch that could withstand the huge range of atmospheric conditions, only the Omega Speedmaster passed NASA’s rigorous tests.

Since then, Omega’s pilot-turned-astronaut Speedmaster watch has been an iconic chronograph and is a prized piece in any collection.

Hamilton Khaki Pilot Watch

The Hamilton Watch company began in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and was known for its high-quality watches. In short order, Hamilton began producing its original pilot watches in 1919; was selected as the watch brand to be worn by the first American Airmail service; and was the official watch of TWA, Eastern, United, and Northwest airlines in the 1930s. The American brand was also selected by the American forces during World War II to supply watches to its wartime pilots.

While Hamilton watches are now produced in Switzerland, its modern watch styles preserve its long history in the world of aviation as Hamilton’s brand aesthetic regularly brings military design cues into its signature styles. The Hamilton Khaki Pilot is a quintessential example of the brand’s proud tradition of developing reliable and robust pilot watches.

Since ancient times, certain gemstones and precious metals have been ascribed properties that range from the ability to promote spiritual healing to the ability to open up one’s heart. People all over the world collect stones and crystals and use them to release mental, spiritual, and sometimes physical blockages within themselves. In fact, it is for these reasons that gemstones started to be incorporated into jewelry in the first place.

Whether you or your loved ones believe in these spiritual practices or not, a jewelry gift featuring a stone imbibed with spiritual significance would be an excellent choice this holiday season, as a piece could be treasured not just for its beautiful appearance, but also for its deeper meaning.

To help you find a gift that would be incredibly meaningful for yourself or for your loved ones, we’ve put together some gemstones that are commonly used in jewelry and we explore the spiritual significance of each stone and metal.

Amethyst
Previously believed to keep the wearer from getting drunk and cleansing them of toxins, this gemstone is now commonly associated with cleansing the body and soul of negative energy. Amethyst, with its calming purple hue, is a “stress reliever,” of sorts, as it is said that the wearer just needs to press the stone against their skin to calm their senses.

Aquamarine

Associated with the life-giving source of water, the greenish-blue Aquamarine is also thought to “wash away” stress and fear. Sometimes called the “courage stone,” this gemstone is said to have the ability to remove doubt and negative energy and to influence the growth of self-respect and inner peace. Because of its connection to water, it is also rumoured to increase psychic power.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a very high-energy stone. Thought to inspire creativity, self-confidence, focus, and movement, this is the best stone to gift to the creative in your life who has been having trouble manifesting their vision into reality. Its bright orange color is sure to bring vibrancy and vitality to any jewelry wardrobe, but its vibration-spiking spiritual properties would be especially valuable to those who’ve been stuck in a rut.

Citrine

Commonly associated with the concept of sunshine, and especially sunrise, citrine is said to bring prosperity and self-confidence to its wearer. Mostly symbolic of new beginnings, especially in business and relationships, this gorgeous sunshine-yellow gemstone would make an excellent gift around the holidays as a way to usher in a prosperous new year.

Emerald

Unsurprisingly, this vibrant green gemstone symbolizes prosperity and abundance, in addition to balance, wisdom, and maturity. Emerald’s color, which refreshes the eyes and is said to revitalize the body, would make a beautiful statement-making piece in a loved one’s jewelry wardrobe.

Garnet

Found in brownish-black to vibrant red colors, the garnet is a gemstone that is particularly well-known for its healing properties, especially among the Chinese. It is said to clear energy blockages and to influence the wearer to abandon unhealthy mental patterns. Its blood red hue imbues it with intense passion, but it also represents faith and truth—a wonderful gift for a significant other to rejuvenate the relationship and ensure a warm holiday season together.

Jade

Like the green of the emerald, the unique green of jade is said to bring prosperity and abundance to its wearer. It’s the stone of good luck and spiritual guidance, as indicated by its nickname, “the Jewel of Heaven.” Thought to symbolize peace and mental purity, this stone also enhances psychic ability and concentration. This is the gemstone to give the young professional in your life who would benefit from a little extra luck.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is thought to increase one’s spiritual potential. Its appearance—the dreamy blue-black of a sky speckled with white stars and the veins of galaxies—connects it to the spiritual world, and so this stone is said to bring enlightenment and develop wisdom, intuition, and meditation in the wearer. As a stone meant to enhance spiritual awakenings, this is a good gift for the loved one who meditates every day and leaves space for new beginnings in their life.

Peridot

Another green gemstone that brings prosperity and wealth to the wearer, peridot is also said to remove feelings of jealousy, anger, and stress. This bright green stone replaces those toxic feelings with ones that encourage personal freedom and self expression, as well as ones that help heal damaged relationships and hurt egos. For the superstitious person in your life, this would make a good present, as it is also said to ward off evil.

Rose Quartz

The stone of unconditional love, as rose quartz is sometimes called, certainly looks the part with its sweet, light pink hue. This gemstone clears the wearer of fear and resentment and instead fills them with feelings of happiness, forgiveness, and peace. This would be excellent for someone who’s been unlucky in love, as rose quartz is said to invite love into the wearer’s life.

Ruby

Like the garnet, the ruby is said to have great healing abilities, especially relating to blood flow and the heart. This stone is also important to the Chinese culture, as it is believed to help decision-making and improve family matters by improving the wearer’s self-esteem and ability to negotiate. Red is also a color of good luck, passion, and creativity—perfect for a loved one with significant business ventures on the horizon.

Sapphire

The deep, calming blue of this gemstone perfectly reflects its spiritual meaning: sapphire is thought to stimulate thoughts of peace and beauty while eliminating negative energy. Thought to inspire truth and promote a positive attitude towards life, this stone would be a valuable addition to anyone’s jewelry collection.

Topaz

Like the other gold and yellow gemstones, topaz is an energizing crystal with the ability to stimulate mental clarity and wisdom. This stone is also thought to ward off mental exhaustion and help heal traumas. This stone would make an excellent present for someone who’s had a tough year; perhaps it can inspire and rejuvenate them for the new year ahead!

Turquoise

This stone is, for some cultures, the bridge between heaven and earth, sea and sky. Thought to protect and align the chakras, turquoise strengthens the mind and body, improving one’s mental condition, circulation, and meditation ability. This gemstone fosters open communication in relationships and encourages self-expression and spirituality. For the very spiritual person in your life, a piece of turquoise jewelry would make an especially powerful gift this holiday season.

Le Vian is renowned for its incredible range of jewelry styles– from dramatic colorful gemstone necklaces to elegantly understated ring– all of which wow on the red carpet. We round up the biggest celebrities and A-listers who completed their trend-right outfit with Le Vian jewelry in 2018.

“Pretty Little Liars” actress Shay Mitchell wore a stack of Le Vian rings to the E! People’s Choice Awards in November 2018.

Lady Gaga wore a pair of Le Vian earrings to the 3rd Annual SAG-AFTRA Foundation Patron of the Artists Awards in Los Angeles in November 2018.

International law and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney wore a pair of Le Vian earrings to the October 2018 Pennsylvania Conference for Women.

Pop star Rihanna wore a Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds® necklace and Chocolate quartz earring to this year’s 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

Model and author Chrissy Teigen wore two Le Vian rings to the 2018 Creative Arts Ball in September 2018.

Singer Jennifer Hudson wore a Le Vian ring to the celebrity-studded event Q85: A Musical Celebration for Quincy Jones in September 2018.

Jennifer Lopez wore a Le Vian ring to the American Music Awards in September 2018.

Jennifer Lopez was also spotted wearing Le Vian earrings and two rings while out and about in New York City in July 2018.