In 1921, Martin Flyer arrived in the US from Russia at only 14 years old. Twenty years later, after working as a jeweler and cultivating his expertise, he launched his own fine jewelry brand, called Designs by Martin Flyer.

It was a point of pride that Flyer worked not only as the director of his business, but also as its head jeweler. He was also renowned for his works of charity throughout his lifetime.

Flyer continued designing jewelry until he was 87 years old, though he remained involved in the company he built from the ground up until his death until 2001, when he was 94 years old. Today the brand honors Flyer's memory with pieces that celebrate its founder's exquisite taste and passion for gorgeous pieces, especially in bridal jewelry.

Martin Flyer rings utilize Hearts and Arrows Ideal Cut Diamonds, meaning that only the most precious metals are used  in design, and that every piece is artfully crafted by hand. Another special feature in this brand is the FlyerFit band, ensuring that rings fit perfectly and do not need to be resized. 

Five Style Options For FlyerFit Rings

Classic

What could be more iconic for an engagement ring than the VS07CU, pictured here? The halo of diamonds around the center stone (boasting .15 carats) is an elegant look for an elegant lady. FlyerFit classic styles can be more ornate or more understated, so explore this collection to find the perfect match for your loved one.

Pair these engagement rings with a FlyerFit classic wedding band to complete that classic look. 

Vintage

For a timeless style ring with the FlyerFit promise, you want the Vintage FlyerFit ring. Pair it with an iridescent wedding band for the full effect.

For Him

The Him collection (including this great band pictured here!) is stylish and masculine, providing high quality materials and timeless style in its wedding bands.

Simplicity

Simple enough: Simplicity is beauty. A solitaire diamond and on unembellished band is a graceful statement of your eternal love. Match this ring with a wedding band with a similar philosophy.

Perfected

You know you want the perfect engagement ring--prefect stone clarity, perfect band, perfect fit. As always, this Martin Flyer collection promises all of the above.

Sometimes you see the right wedding band, and you know it is the Perfect expression of your love.

Mervis Dianmond Importers prizes a comfortable and customized experience for all customers. We want to help you pick out the perfect engagement and wedding rings, to help you celebrate your special day. Contact us today to experience the magic of a FlyerFit ring.

Buying a set of diamond stud earrings is a significant financial commitment, but also a valuable investment. Diamond earrings typically start around $500 in price and can be as much as $36,000 for a single pair. Before balking at the expensive price tag, consider all of the factors that go into determining the cost of a pair of diamond earrings, and how they affect the price range of such items.

Weight

Diamond weight is one of the primary factors affecting its price. Weight is measured with a unit called carats, and each carat is worth 100 points. For example, if a diamond has 53 points, it is a 0.53 carat diamond. Click here to view just such a pair, available on our website for $508.99.

Diamonds can come in much larger carat weights, such as the 4.02 carat diamond earrings pictured we sell for $27,620.00.

Weight is usually determined by an electronic scale for the most precise accuracy. Carats do not guarantee quality; a diamond with a small carat weight may be of better quality than a diamond with a high carat weight.

Cut

Diamond studs are usually chosen for their sparkle and brilliance. Therefore, the jeweler picks gems for their shine and size as opposed to the color of the diamonds. These factors are determined by the cut of the diamond, which refers to the shape and polish of the stone. The cut of the diamond is what makes a piece of jewelry really shine and sparkle; talk to your diamond dealer to learn more about their process and how they cut diamonds for the highest quality jewelry.

Color and Clarity

Oddly enough, the less color a diamond has, the more expensive it is. Diamonds that are more yellow are often less valuable and therefore lower in price. Diamonds typically fall into one of three categories, ranging from least expensive to most expensive: faint yellow, nearly colorless, and colorless. Colorless diamonds refract the most light, creating maximum sparkle, shine, and beauty. These diamonds are also the most rare and come with a more expensive price tag. Clarity refers to the “inclusions,” or tiny birthmarks on a diamond. The fewer inclusions, the more expensive, pure, and rare the diamond is. More details about clarity can be found here.

Trade-Up Policy

Many diamond dealers have a trade-up policy that allows you to bring in your old diamond earrings to get a price break from a new more valuable set of jewelry. Keep this in mind if you buy a smaller set of diamond studs from your dealer with the hope of purchasing nicer gems in the future. Some dealers (including Mervis!) even offer 100% of the value of your original pair towards your new earrings, so don’t be afraid to think big!

The Bottom Line

You can find diamond stud earrings to fit your carat, clarity, and color requirements at a variety of prices. Speak with your diamond dealer to find the best set of earrings to fit your budget, for diamonds are as diverse and unique as the individual wearing them. 

The Tacori family has been designing high-end jewelry for more than four decades. This name is synonymous with craftsmanship, luxury, and flair. Tacori pieces are made in California and boast being handcrafted with only the finest materials, such as 18 or 22 karat gold or platinum. It is a point of pride that Mervis Diamond Importers is the only Platinum-Authorized Tacori Dealer in Washington, D.C.!

The Tacori collection at Mervis Daimond Importers includes engagement rings, wedding rings for men and women, as well as necklaces, bracelets and earrings--all with signature style and class.

Engagement Rings

To see Tacori at its finest, you must browse their collection of engagement rings. You're certain to dazzle her during your proposal if you select any of the cuts for the diamond-rimmed Full Bloom band (including this beautiful example, pictured at left), which can range from $3,020 to $5,550, depending on the style you select.

The Dantela Collection by Tacori is for the avant-garde woman in your life. Make a bold statement with some of the emerald-cut in this collection. But don't overlook the more understated, classic pieces in Tacori's Dantela Collection, either.

Wedding Rings

For her, a perfect match for the Tacori engagement ring is the Tacori wedding band. You can complement the Tacori diamonds in the engagement band with one string, or several, on the wedding ring.

No dream is too elaborate--consider every intricate detail to be possible, or try a gorgeous rose-colored gold for your band.

A wedding band of gold can be just as elegant, and never plain, especially when different hues are woven together.

For him, the Simply Tacori collection offers classic style and sturdiness. Two-tone rings are available, as well as diamond accents. The engraved checkered pattern ring in this collection is particularly stunning.

Tacori's Crescent Collection for men showcases a wide range of styles, from the timeless eternity band to bands with unique variations in diamond placement or hue of material.

Tacori Fashion Jewelry

While the Tacori collections of engagement and wedding rings are extensive and diverse, this designer boasts more than rings.

Get lost in the perfect symmetry and diamond-placement of a diamond pendant. For a vibrant splash of color, look to Tacori to steal the show with a rose amethyst necklace.

All-occasion rings include eye-catching pieces, as well as the confidently understated. And there's nothing quite like a Tacori onyx envy ring.

Tacori earrings never disappoint, from studs to graceful hoops to earrings with layers. Just look at the beautiful Tacori Island Rains earrings pictured here!

Sometimes all you need to say can be expressed with the gift of the perfect bracelet. Whether you want to give her something flirty or a more timeless piece, Tacori has designed a wide range of styles.

Give the gift of style with a Tacori piece from Mervis Diamond Importers this holiday season. Contact us today to view this collection.

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"Tennis Bracelet"? What does that mean?

This term arose after Chris Evert, women's tennis champion, lost a diamond bracelet during a match in the 1987 US Open. Evert asked officials to postpone her match until the bracelet had been found--all while viewers watched her televised search for the expensive bracelet. 

The accident apparently sparked the desire for new diamond bracelets in many viewers, causing a craze for what became affectionately known as "the tennis bracelet."

Evert was certainly not the first to wear, or inspire others to wear, a flexible band of diamonds and gold around the wrist. In the 1920s, men and women were often found wearing lightweight "eternity bracelets," which would look to us today like the tennis bracelet.

A diamond tennis bracelet is usually thin and simple, making it sleek and elegant, never gaudy. This bracelet is often made from platinum or 18 carat gold.

When should I give a tennis bracelet?
We don't recommend placing this gift on your loved one right before a sporting match--instead, consider it a classic holiday gift for your girlfriend, fiancee or wife. Anniversaries or birthdays may call for such an elegant gift. Your daughter, sister or mother may also appreciate a bit of luxury with the gift of a tennis bracelet.

What are typical prices for a tennis bracelet?
For a simple tennis bracelet, prices start around $2,000. Consider the lightweight and whimsical Small Pave Daisy Bracelet this holiday season. It will remind you of the first blossoms of spring--something to look forward to in the dead of winter!

For a mid-range piece, budget around $9,000. You can dazzle your partner with the Coast bc1177 (pictured here), a white gold diamond bracelet with 2.07 carats. Also consider the Two Tone Bracelet for a loved one who wants the best of both worlds--dazzling white diamonds set in white and standard gold. The Two Tone Bracelet can be yours for $14,080.

For an especially memorable holiday or other momentous occasion, give the Diamond Tennis Necklace, a graceful 18 karat white gold necklace with 10.47 diamond carats. This timeless piece is at the higher end of the price range--usually $23,000 (though on sale now for $16,100). 

Mervis Diamond Importers value quality diamond jewelry--from engagement rings to watches to fashion jewelry. Contact us today to find the perfect gift for someone special, and to browse our extensive selection of tennis bracelets--the perfect gift for your partner this holiday season.

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There are many factors to consider before purchasing a diamond engagement ring, and one of the most practical aspects of this process is the question of financing the purchase.

The old fashioned rule stating that an engagement ring should cost three month's of a man's wages, is now a thing of the past. There's no hard and fast rule dictating what percentage of your income you will spend, though you can expect to spend at least $2,000 (with the average American engagement ring running near $4,000).

For example, you can get a sophisticated three-stone engagement ring, like the ArtCarved ring at right, for $1,735. In the middle of the price spectrum lies the the gorgeous, contemporary-feeling Bella Vita engagement ring, from Mervis's Halo Collection, for a little more than $3,000. On the higher end of the price range, consider the Tacori HT from the Channel collection at around $13,000--and have her feeling regal as a queen.

So now that you've found the perfect cut and style of diamond, how can you take it home with you to surprise your sweetheart? You've got two main financing options:

Through Your Jeweler

• Does this store have any lines of credit available?
• Are you partnered with any credit card companies that are running credit lines for purchases like these?
• Are there any seasonal promotions going on right now? (Usually winter holidays and Valentine's Day give rise to such promotions.)

Through Your Bank, or Other Financial Institution

Don't be intimidated by taking out a personal loan! In the world of banking, the loan for an engagement ring is relatively small (compare it with the price of four years of college tuition or a new house).

Also keep in mind that the interest rates on personal loans tend to be less than those on credit cards. Research the terms at your current banking location, and determine if it's wiser to charge the ring on your current credit card, or to take out a personal loan.

Finally, know that your personal loan options from a bank are a secured, or an unsecured, loan. In a secured loan, you will offer the bank collateral--which they can repossess if you are unable to make loan payments. In an unsecured loan, you offer no collateral, but will pay a higher interest rate. 

At Mervis Diamond Importers, we believe in forming a personal relationship with our customers. Contact us today or stop in to one of our three locations in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia for consultations on the style and quality of your engagement ring, as well as your options for financing this purchase. We know that this is an exciting time in your life--so let us be there for you while you take the next big step: committing to the partner you love.

Barry Verragio has been creating exquisite jewelry for more than 20 years (he allegedly began designing jewelry at just 14 years old, and launched his own collection in 1996). As a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the young designer discovered his passion for bridal jewelry as an industry. For his own engagement to his would-be wife Tanya, Verragio designed a one-of-a-kind ring, merging his personal passion with his talent in design. This experience propelled his career; now Veraggio is renowned for his vision for vibrant wedding jewelry with a feminine touch.

If there is one thing Verragio is synonymous with, it's rings. The designer is famous for inventing a technique for stone settings, called the Lumino Setting, which exposes a stone to every facet of light. This is one reason why a Verragio engagement ring sparkles like no other.

There are four collections of Verragio rings, all of which boast grace and beauty

Venetian Collection

The Venetian Collection surrounds luminous diamonds with artfully crafted bands of gold or platinum. It's easy to get lost in the fine detail of these rings.

Insignia Collection

Verragio's Insignia Collection shines bright by highlighting the center stone with round diamonds along the band. Center stone may be a have princess, round, radiant, or square center cute diamond --all are equally stunning.

Paradiso Collection

Paradiso by Verragio provides some breath-taking examples of the designer's Lumino Setting, giving a clear and radiant view of the center diamond. Band designs in this collection include whimsical loops and curlicues, creating the sense that this is a ring a fairy tale princess would wear.

Couture Collection

Verragio's Couture is the height of elegance. Rings showcase diamonds along the band and, as always, bring light to the center stone in dazzling ways. Verragio reinvents traditional styles, giving them a fresh glow, in this collection.

A Verragio wedding ring is just as regal as a Verragio engagement ring. A diamond eternity band will radiate with light and joy for the happy couple. Other Verragio eternity bands look like they were made for a queen.

In the men's collection, Veraggio bands are classic  and sleek. Veraggio platinum rings have a timeless and sophisticated look, to commemorate the most important day of your life.

Slip a bit of luxury onto your loved one's finger this holiday season with a Verragio ring. Mervis Diamond Importers is an exclusive Verragio Premiere boutique, which means we have a HUGE Verragio inventory in-stock and get the fastest turn-around on special orders too. Contact us today to see our Verragio collection, which is sure to bring light and joy to your wedding day.

Image Credit: Barry Verragio

With holiday deadlines approaching fast and your list is probably not written out for gifts. You’re probably wondering what to get your loved ones this year. Fear no more, diamond studs are here! Diamond studs symbolize beauty, honesty, brilliant, and loyalty. Diamond studs are not only extremely stylish but also add an advantage to your loved ones everyday outfit, and never go out of style.

Worried about budget? Relax! Mervis Diamonds will work with your budget to provide you the best possible diamonds for your loved ones. Worried about size? Know it is guaranteed to fit your loved one, but also know that Mervis has the best trade-up policy around. Our lifetime trade-up program means we will trade your Mervis Center Diamond at 100 percent of its original cost at any time for anything else. This means you can buy according to your budget now then come back at any time when you’re ready bigger diamond studs.

Diamond Earrings have always been considered among the most charming and thoughtful pieces of jewelry one can give or receive as a gift. Your gift of diamond studs is defined as a quick heart melter, ego booster, and all-around joy to wear. You will score popularity with your loved one as it’s always seen to be outfitted with the classics. 

Beautiful diamond engagement rings are bestowed to partners as an authentic sign of a commitment toward a future life together. Whether you were given a halo engagement ring, a solitaire, a channel set, a pave set, or a prong set, that diamond engagement ring that you now still have was meant to symbolize the enduring love between you and your partner. If, for whatever reason(s), today you find that you are no longer with the individual who first presented that engagement ring to you, it’s important – both financially and emotionally - to do something about that ring. Here are some practical ideas regarding what you can do with your engagement ring.

Trade it up

Trade in or upgrade your diamond engagement ring toward a beautiful piece of jewelry you have always wanted. Perhaps a stunning pair of diamond studded earrings have always been on your wish list. Maybe you love unique necklaces but don’t have any with diamonds in them. Trade your ring in toward a pendant, a tennis bracelet, or a cocktail ring. Upgrade and transform your engagement ring into a treasured piece of jewelry for your collection that you have always wanted.  rade it in for something that you will wear with confidence, that you selected and purchased on your own and for yourself, and that you will be happy to share that about it when complimented!

Sell it

What’s the point in keeping an expensive diamond engagement ring locked away in a safety deposit box at your local bank or tossed in a jewelry box on your dresser where it can be easily lost or stolen? Sell it. Take the money you receive for it and save it for a rainy day, purchase groceries and supplies to donate to a local shelter in your community, fly yourself and a friend to Maui for a long weekend, and/or buy that convertible two-seater you’ve wanted! The point is, you can do much more for yourself and others with the money you get for the ring than you would with the ring sitting in the bottom of your dresser drawer. To yield maximum value for your ring, we recommend you go to your local, trusted, high-end jeweler who will act as your personal diamond broker (and if you are located in the Washington, DC area, we hope you'll choose to work with us here at Mervis Diamond Importers!). Your jeweler will know how to inspect and appraise your ring and then make you a fair offer.

Redesign it

Have your diamond engagement ring made into a necklace or earring or a bracelet! If it contains many diamonds, have each one made into a necklace for each of your siblings or nieces. Have the diamonds removed from the band and placed into some other, completely different piece of jewelry with other gems.

Two things not to do with your diamond engagement ring: pawn it and keep it. Don’t pawn your ring, because you will be paying interest each month on something that already has unpleasant memories for you. You don’t need to add stress to your life with a new monthly debt on something that will be a current reminder to you of a chapter in your life you need to close (so that another wonderful one can start!). Don’t keep your ring because, again, it does not hold the same symbol of love and commitment it once did. The ring no longer contributes any emotional sustenance to your life. It’s just an aesthetically-beautiful and wonderfully-designed ring that’s value is in dollars, not memories. 

Life is too precious and too short to waste another minute on anything (the ring) or anyone (your ex) that does not bring joy and inspiration into your life!

Engagements and weddings are important life milestones steeped in tradition and etiquette. One such tradition relates to the placement of wedding and engagement rings on the bride's ring finger.

It’s customary for brides to receive two rings. An engagement band before the wedding, and a wedding ring during the ceremony. Your first ring is a promise of marriage. The second solidifies the promise. Sometimes knowing which one goes where can be a bit confusing.

Day of the Wedding

On your wedding day, you should switch your engagement ring to the third finger on your right hand. During the ceremony, your future spouse places the wedding ring on your ring finger. The custom of the third finger on your left hand being your ring finger originated in Egypt, where people believed the vein in that finger led directly to your heart. By placing the wedding ring on that finger, the groom ensures that it is in the position closest to your heart. Yes, definitely romantic!

 
Engagement Ring Etiquette

Once you’re married, tradition dictates that your engagement band be moved back to the third finger on your left hand. When you do so, your wedding ring should remain closest to your heart (where your spouse placed it on your wedding day) and your engagement ring is placed next to the wedding ring.

Some women choose to ignore ring etiquette, and instead infuse their own style on the custom. Some variations on the traditional ring placement include:

• Continue to wear the engagement band on the right hand 
• Forego wearing the engagement band 
• Weld the rings together 

Regardless of how you choose to wear your ring, the most important thing is that it be comfortable for you and sized properly.

Follow Tradition or Become a Trailblazer

Years ago, it was tradition for a man to purchase an engagement ring with a diamond setting. However, times have changed. Other precious stones are also acceptable on an engagement ring.

Another tradition is for you and your spouse to have matching wedding bands. For instance, if you have a gold wedding band, then his would be gold as well.

Many couples are choosing to incorporate their unique style with traditional ring etiquette.
There are no rules for most faiths on how to wear wedding rings. Whether you want to become an engagement band trailblazer or stick with tradition is up to you. 

Engagement and wedding rings are more than beautiful, sparkling pieces of jewelry. They are symbols of your love and future and should be treated with care and respect.

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The last thing you want to happen after buying an expensive set of diamond earrings is for them to fall off during an evening out. This is something that can be easily prevented if you know what to look for in an earring backing. Contrary to popular belief, a secure backing does not mean having to sacrifice comfort. Let's look at several earring backings so you can choose the most appropriate one.

Push Back

Also known as a butterfly due to its unique shape, this is one of the more popular earring backing types. It consists of a post that inserts into a metal piece behind the ear to hold in place the earring. However, it is known to not be as secure as other backings due to its looseness.

French Clip

Also known as a clip post, this combines a typical post with a clip to securely hold the earring. While less likely to lose the earring than a regular push back, they are known to sometimes pinch the earlobe and over an extended time, can become uncomfortable. 

Lever Back

The lever back back uses a piece of metal resembling a fishhook that pushes through the ear. It is then secured to a lever from the the back of the earring. This is known to be a good choice for valuable diamond earrings, even those that are larger sized. 

Screw Back

These backings use a post that works like a screw. The back is screwed onto ridges for a tight fit. While being one of the more secure types of earring backing, those with sensitive ears might wish to avoid these. The threaded post may not be as comfortable as other backings. Furthermore taking them off and on is known to be a bit more involving.

Jumbo Friction Back

If you have sensitive ears, jumbo friction backs make a better choice over screw backs. It consists of a small metal piece that gets pushed behind the earlobe onto the earring post, while being secured by friction. The  larger size of these backings provides added weight, stability, and security. For even greater security, consider asking your jeweler to add a small plastic disc to the earring back. 

La Poussette

Known for its combination of comfort and security, the la poussette is a viable option that, unlike the friction back, will not loosen over time nor slide off if the earring is pulled. It's composed of a flat metal backing with a small clutch on each side. Both clutches need to be squeezed to release it (which can be done rather quickly), otherwise the earring remains securely in place. The post on the back of a la poussette earring has a groove towards the end of it that makes it very difficult for it to be pulled off unintentionally. Heavier earrings will also benefit from the la poussette since this backing prevents drooping by holding the earring close to the ear. As you might have guessed, this level of engineering does come with a price tag. Most jewelers reserve this type of backing for only their most valuable of earrings.

We've looked at several options available for diamond earring backings, and as you can see, not all backings are equally secure or comfortable. With the investment you're going to make in a pair of diamond earrings, selecting the right backing will minimize the risk of loss while ensuring your earrings are a pleasure to wear.

[Image Credits: Push Back, French Clip, Lever Back, Screw Back, Jumbo Friction Back, La Poussette]