May 2020 - Service Jewelry & Repair

From the Railroad to the Sky

Hamilton Men’s Khaki Aviation X-Wind GMT Chronograph Watch – **available here!**

For Hamilton, it all started with the railroad. As American companies were building tracks further and further across the country, synchronizing the timing of all those trains became absolutely critical. The solution? Hamilton’s supremely accurate watches. With precise train departures and arrivals, Hamilton watches helped prevent and reduce the number of accidents across the United States.

By 1918, American aviators were flocking to the skies. Just like the railroad, increased air travel–and a brand new coast to coast US Airmail service–meant that precise timing of flights was critical. Once again, Hamilton stepped up to the plate and supplied their reliable watches to keep Americans safe.

Innovative & Iconic

The Hamilton Ventura style – **available here!**

It’s not just precision timing that makes Hamilton an important company, however–it’s also their ceaseless commitment to innovation. In 1957, the Hamilton Ventura became the world’s first electrical watch powered by a battery, and Pulsar–the world’s first LED digital watch–was produced in 1970. This tradition continues to this day as Hamilton perfects their signature movements, ever-extending power reserves—some up to 80 hours!

In fact, the Hamilton brand is so iconic that it’s been a favorite of Hollywood since 1932! Featured in classic films like Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii and modern-day hits like Interstellar, Hamilton watches continue to grace the silver screen, accenting the arms of our favorite stars.

So, if you’re a fan of history, precision, innovation and style, look no further than a Hamilton watch! With styles for men and women–ranging from rugged field watches to elegant timepieces–you’re sure to find something to suit your lifestyle.

Why not pop into one of our store locations and see these amazing watches in person, or you can browse our collection right here online!

We hope to serve you soon!

Emerald has long been treasured for its unique and beautiful green hue. Indeed, the name “emerald” comes from the Greek word smaragdus meaning “green gem”. Today, we’ll take a look at this captivating stone and see why it makes the perfect gift for May babies!

Ancient & Royal

A diamond and emerald ring crafted from white gold – **available here!**

Did you know Cleopatra had an affinity for emeralds? In fact, she’s only one of many royals throughout history who fell in love with this fascinating gem. From the Inca emperors to the monarchs of Spain, emeralds have been the focal point of royal regalia for centuries.

Like many gems, emeralds were long believed to endow their wearer with special protection or even magical powers. For example, in Ancient Rome, emeralds were believed to soothe tired eyes and weary souls. Believe it or not, they may have been onto something—modern science has found the color green to aid in stress relief and has even experimented with its use in treatment for migraine headaches!

Caring for Emerald

A stunning diamond and emerald pendant set in white gold – **available here!**

Part of what makes each and every emerald so unique is their proclivity for inclusions (minerals, fractures or “imperfections” trapped within the stone). It’s exceedingly rare to find an emerald with little to no inclusions, because emeralds are one of the softer precious gems. With a 7.5 rating on the Mohs scale, emeralds are prone to fractures and scratching, giving each stone its very own signature look.

Because of this quality, most emeralds go through a few treatments before they make their way into a piece of treasured jewelry. For example, fracture filling is very commonly used to improve the apparent clarity of the stone, and paler emeralds are sometimes dyed to bring out that coveted green hue.

With all that in mind, it’s easy to see why emerald jewelry requires a little extra love. For example, you should never use harsh chemicals, high temperatures or ultrasonic cleaners to care for your emerald treasures. Even wearing a filled emerald while washing the dishes could cause damage, so it’s always best to remove your emerald jewelry before doing cooking or cleaning.

Nonetheless, emeralds make timeless treasures and are well-worth the effort. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gemstone, a natural emerald is hard to beat! If you love that green hue but prefer crystal-clear gems, a lab created emerald would be perfect!

We’d love to help you find the perfect emerald gift for that special someone (or for you!). Why not pop into our Hendersonville store and see what we have on display? Or, take a look online from the comfort of your own home! And don’t forget—if you don’t see why you like, we can always custom design the piece you’re dreaming of!