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The holiday season comes with elves on shelves, fun festivities, and twinkling tinsel, but it also comes with a tremendous amount of pressure for many of us. Whether you have been happily married for years or you are getting cozy with a special someone, shopping for the woman in your life during the holiday season […]

We noticed a lot of different articles slamming holiday proposals in recent weeks. Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion, our opinion is a little bit different.

You already know that diamonds are beautiful, sentimental, iconic. Unfortunately, diamonds have also been plagued by controversy and suspicion because they are associated with human rights abuses in certain parts of the world. You may have read newspaper stories about “conflict diamonds” or seen the 2006 movie “Blood Diamond” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. While all this […]

The holiday season is undeniably romantic. It is full of crackling fires, twinkling lights, and ribbons of red. While some of us are busy wrapping brown paper packages in string, others are busy planning a holiday proposal.

Join Us for Our Grand Re-opening Party and Anniversary Sale! We are thrilled to announce that our long-awaited store expansion is complete! You will find us in the same location at 3689 Midway Drive in Point Loma. We have now doubled the size of our store by expanding into the space to our left (formerly […]

Moissanite is a gemstone consisting of silicone and carbon. It is the hardest and toughest element found on Earth. The gem can be found naturally, but since it comes from a meteorite, it is pretty scarce. Also, the pieces that are found naturally are usually so small that they cannot be used to make jewelry.

Moissanite Popularity Although you may have never heard of it, moissanite is not a new gemstone. In fact, moissanite literally came crashing to Earth over 50,000 years ago. Moissanite was discovered in a meteorite by Henri Moissan, in 1893. When Moissan first discovered the new mineral, he believed it to be a diamond. It wasn’t until 1904 […]

Today, there are many reasons why moissanite is popularly being used in engagements rings. One major reason why people are increasingly opting to buy moissanite engagement rings is because of the number of features and characteristics the ring has that closely match with those of diamond. Another reason is that in spite of the closely similar characteristics, […]

In recent years, we’ve seen the comeback of yellow gold and we could not be more thrilled. There is something so classic and elegant about yellow gold. The soft golden color looks beautiful on so many skin tones.  And when you mix it with white gold? The results are breathtaking. White gold and yellow gold […]

Gemologist Gemology is the geoscience built around the study of gems and gemstones. Gemologist are individuals who have been trained to identify gems using scientific processes, to determine the unique qualities of individual gems, to compare these qualities between gems, and to detect flaws and other problems in these gems. Given the range of gems and gemstones, […]

Shopping for your engagement ring is fun, but where do you start? There are so many options to consider! Will she prefer Solitaire or Halo? What if she doesn’t want anything traditional? There are almost unlimited options available when you are browsing for the perfect engagement ring. From ultra-sparkly to simple and elegant, we guarantee […]

It’s time for the biggest moment of your life. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for…the moment that makes your heart race just thinking of the amazing future with this one person. This special person who knows you better than you know yourself and you’re ready. You’re asking this person to be yours forever. We […]

According to Chinese records people have been pawning their property since around 200 B.C. During the Western Han Dynasty a person could get a small loan with low interest against their own personal property.

Equally important to the engagement ring is the wedding band. While the engagement ring represents the promise of marriage, the wedding band symbolizes the promises spoken during the ceremony. It’s an expression of love, fidelity, and a new journey together. Many people choose to wear only the wedding band after the wedding, and thus, it […]

I’ve been working in jewelry buying and jewelry pawn business for almost five years now and I’m frequently asked by clients how pawn loans work and what the terms of pawn loans are.

Do you need collateral loan in the greater San Diego area? Stop by and get a cash loan today! We provide loans for diamonds, scrap gold, platinum, silver coins + bullion. We specialize in jewelry loans and always pay full value loan price. If you are in need of quick cash, please stop by our […]

Diamonds Forever Estate Buyers is a high end pawn shop specializing in diamonds, fine jewelry and luxury watch loans. We are located in Point Loma, a cool coastal neighborhood in San Diego but we serve the entire San Diego area, including downtown San Diego and North County. We are located at 3689 Midway Dr. Suite A […]

Jenny gives some great hints on custom jewelry. Contact us at (619) 223-2151 if you have more questions! Cheers, Amy

My earliest memories are of doing art. I remember making jewelry at my cousin’s house. I remember this sand dollar I drew, which was probably too perfect for a 2nd grader, and I remember ever since I was 11, I had been decorating and designing my room.

Your jewelry is part of you and your style, so leaving it behind may not be an option. Whether you’re a jet-setter or weekend road-tripper, here are some helpful safety tips from your travel-savvy friends at Diamonds Forever in San Diego. Choose sensibly. Pack light when it comes to your fine jewelry and take only […]

Amethyst is one of the prettiest gemstones on the planet; famous for it’s vibrant shades of purple that captures everyone’s attention. The color of the February birthstone is a deep and rich shade of purple that represented royalty and power back in the days of ancient kings and queens.

As a pawnbroker, my friends and family will occasionally ask me “why would anyone pawn their valuables?” Or “aren’t the interest rates out of control?” And my favorite, “aren’t people afraid they are going to lose their things?”

Whether you need an immediate cash loan in San Diego, wish to sell your items, or are looking for a great deal on luxury merchandise, Diamonds Forever Estate Buyers are here to help! Diamonds Forever Estate Buyers is one of the most respected pawn shops in San Diego. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured. […]

Let’s be real, what woman would not enjoy a beautiful diamond ring?  Maybe you’re into an elaborate diamond ring that a celebrity would proudly flaunt on the red carpet, or you might admire something simple and understated. No matter what your style, there is a custom ring that will suit you to perfection. We have […]

Collateral Loans (pawn) on Luxury Watches & Fine Jewelry at Diamonds Forever

Looking for a pawnbroker in the greater San Diego area that specializes in fine jewelry?

The great naturalist Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century AD “no stone has a color that is more delightful to the eye, there being no green in existence more intense than this.” Pliny is referring to the beautiful and vibrant hues of the beloved emerald. The emerald gemstone is a medium to dark […]

At Diamonds Forever, I am frequently asked by our clients about how they can find out their significant other’s ring size on the sly to keep things a surprise. Over the years I have come up with a few tricks and have also learned some clever ways from our own customers!

You’ve spent time and energy finding your perfect engagement ring. Now that it’s permanently on your left finger, you’ll want to ensure that it stays sparkly and beautiful forever. As it’s something that you wear often, having an expert jeweler inspect your ring every six months is vital to keeping your ring in excellent condition.

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Your clothes are fitting a bit looser and you might be thinking about a new wardrobe.

It might also be time to re-size your engagement ring and wedding band.

Flashback thousands of years ago, people all over the world loved and admired jewelry. It showed status, social + official rank, religious or political affiliation and of course for personal enjoyment. Even during prehistoric times, our ancestors found a way to create many types of custom jewelry made…

Hi everyone! I’m Dani with Diamonds Forever and I’m a big part of the team. I’m a young jeweler with a sharp eye and a helping hand. I plan to make you happy and proud of your ring just like I’m proud of the store im a part of. Making engagement rings is sort of […]

When shopping for your dream engagement ring there are many factors to take into consideration, one of the first of which is the metal. Throughout history, gold has remained a popular option, although the particular hue has changed with the times.

GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and jewelry manufacturing. GIA’s mission is to protect both buyers and sellers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality. The institute carries out its mission through constant research, […]

Those with June birthdays are lucky to have three very colorful and playful gemstones from which to choose. Two are ancient and one while a far newer find is by far the rarest of the three.

As you start your diamond research, one of the first things you learn is to always look for a grading report. But… which grading report and from which lab? There’s hundreds of labs out there, many in different countries and with many different standards. With so many conflicting information out there, we’re here to help […]

This weekend I went to the JCK trade show, one of the most spectacular shows that are held for jewelry retailers and dealers and buyers. I walked three floors of the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and thank god for the A/C and my comfy flats because there almost too much to check out and […]

Especially if you have a specific vision in mind or your partner has a very particular style they love, choosing to design a custom engagement ring is a wonderful route to take.

“A women needs ropes and ropes of pearls” – Coco Chanel A woman after our own hearts, Coco Chanel loved her pearls. As did Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, and Lady Sarah Churchill. Pearls epitomize grace and classic beauty. June’s modern birthstone have a lustrous shine with hints of silver, gray, and pink hues that changes […]

One of the most popular gemstones throughout history, the ruby is durable and dense – the only natural gemstone harder is the diamond. This beautiful red gem is the July birthstone and makes a great gift that can be worn regularly. Many ancient cultures were fascinated with rubies, believing they held power over life. Called […]

My clients often wonder and ask us how their rings are sized so I thought it would be fun to cover the process in today’s blog. Ring sizing is one of the most common repairs done on jewelry. Ring sizing therefore should be a manageable task for a skilled jeweler. Whether it’s made of sterling […]

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness was wrong…because I’m in love with all things jewelry and luxury. It definitely makes me happy! It isn’t always the cheapest thing you can buy but nothing good should be cheap.  So, you’re looking down at your wrist or staring at yourself in the mirror wondering what else can I […]

The first ring I ever bought for myself was in 2008. I had just graduated from college and was visiting Hong Kong with my family. I was walking through the airport, passing the time by distracting myself with pretty shoes, bags, and jewelry in the duty-free shops. As I stopped into Tiffany & Co.’s mini […]

People have been pawning their valuables for at least the last 2000 years and thanks to reality TV pawn shops have gained their own little spotlight in the public eye. That being said, there are still a lot of misconceptions about what pawning is and how these loans actually work. I own a pawn shop […]

Re-tipping a ring is simply adding platinum, gold or sterling silver to build up the prongs on a ring so they are durable again. Normally you only really hear about rings being re-tipped because they take the most abuse. It is to be expected that rings wear down the fastest because we have them on our […]

Buying an engagement ring is a huge deal. Probably the biggest moment in your life. You might be nervous about choosing the right ring. You might feel weary after hearing all the horror stories of the jewelry industry. I promise you that we’re here to make everything easy.  We want you to feel comfortable working […]

Becoming the Artist By making and designing your ring, bracelet, or necklace with your jewelers at Diamonds Forever, you can become an artist. Simply by getting excited about what your special person likes and her personality, we can come up with many ideas that will impress her and make your gift something durable and aesthetic. Symbolism […]

When jewelry is refinished at Diamonds Forever it is made to look like a brand new piece. We polish the ring so all scratches are buffed out and the item is restored to its original shine or finish. We then inspect the piece by checking that all the stones are tight and securely set. White […]

Picking out your wedding bands is a big decision. A sign of the love and commitment you and your significant other share, you want to choose a ring that you love and are excited to wear daily. Before heading out to shop for your rings, make some preliminary choices to simplify your search. Should Your […]

When you go to pick out an engagement ring, one of the first questions we will ask is “What metal are you looking for?” A straightforward question, your answer will depend on your significant other’s style current jewelry collection. There are a few different options to choose from, including white gold, yellow gold and platinum. […]

While a white diamond is the go-to option for most engagement rings, they aren’t the only possibility. Throughout the years, some of our favorite celebrities have opted for rings with colored diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and more. A unique stone may be the perfect way to surprise your soon to be fiancée. With sweet meaning and […]

You know that your significant other is the one and you’re ready the pop the big question. “Will you marry me?” Before you do though, there is one important thing you need; the ring. Choosing an engagement ring is a big decision, especially if you are surprising your significant other. The shape of the diamond, […]

Besides your engagement ring, your wedding band is the most exciting and important ring purchase you will make. A daily reminder of the love you share with your spouse, this band should reflect your taste and personality, blending beautifully with your day-to-day style. There are a variety of options to consider, from unique and trendy […]

Just as clothing trends come and go, so do engagement rings trends. But as we have all seen from the recent revival of high waisted jeans, every trend has the opportunity to make a comeback. A few of our favorite wedding ring styles are beginning to make a comeback and we at Diamonds Forever couldn’t […]

With Christmas only a month away and Valentine’s Day close behind, now is a popular time to begin hunting for the perfect engagement ring for your significant other. While some trends from 2015 will continue into the upcoming year, there are also some beautiful new trends to consider when searching for your ring. Colored Stones […]

There is a lot of planning that goes into your wedding day, and one of the most exciting choices you will make is what wedding bands you will purchase! A symbol of your eternal love, the wedding band is a stylish addition to your everyday wardrobe. When it comes to purchasing a men’s wedding band, […]

There is nothing more exciting than planning a wedding and as 2016 approaches there are many new ideas and trends for couples to consider. Whether you just said “yes” to the individual and ring of your dreams or are in the midst of planning your Spring 2016 wedding, Diamonds Forever has put together a list […]

Rose gold is made when copper is alloyed with gold, giving off a radiant and romantic hue that has been adored by many since its creation in nineteenth century Russia. While rose gold has gone in and out of style over the course of the past 200 years, it is a beautiful option for the […]

Derived from the Latin word granatum because of their pomegranate seed shape and color, garnets are seen in a wide range of colors and varieties. The stone has ornamental, spiritual and industrial uses. The mineral is praised for flushing out toxins and cleansing the body, and it’s also believed to clear the mind of stress. […]

The bloodstone is a dark green, jasper-like mineral with red or brown drops on the surface. It has been thought to have special powers throughout the ages. The ancient Greeks called it heliotrope or Sun Stone, and they believed it transformed the sun when it was immersed in water. The red splotches on its surface […]

The rose quartz is a storied, elegant gem whose name is derived from its charming pink color, reminiscent of rose petals. It represents unconditional love and compassion. It has been used as a talisman to attract love and heal heartache since 600 B.C.E. Ancient Romans and Egyptians prized the stone for its reputation as a […]

Amethyst derives from the Greek word amethustos, or “without drunkenness.” The stone symbolizes sobriety, humility, and healing. The color of the crystal varies from light red to deep purple, and it is found in a striking variety of formations and sizes. Greeks and Romans decorated their goblets with the stone to prevent excessive drunkenness. According […]

When it comes to picking out an engagement ring, it is traditional for the soon-to-be groom to surprise his future bride with a ring he chose on his own. But it’s the year 2016, and if an engagement is in your near future, traditional isn’t the only choice you have. There are plenty of couples […]

Lucky girls born in April have diamonds as their birthstone. Believe it or not, Queen Elizabeth is one of those lucky girls. Now, while not everyone born in April has their own crowned jewels – every girl kind of feels like a queen when showered with diamonds. Elizabeth Taylor may not have been a royal […]

Engagement rings have been a part of history for many years, continually changing in style, but always maintaining their symbolic meaning of love and unity. For couples who love vintage style rings, this historical timeline is the perfect place to start your search for “the one”. Victorian Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, romance reigned […]

As all regular ring wearers know, there are some days when your rings fit perfectly and others when the just don’t. Whether your fingers have swelled overnight or the cold weather is making your rings a bit loose, your fingers aren’t always the same size. If you and your fiancé have begun shopping for your […]

When it comes to engagement rings, the diamond reigns supreme. But shape and setting styles are always changing. So what styles are most popular today? Market Watch did some digging to figure out what type of ring your loved one would like to see on her left hand. Stone While colored diamonds, sapphires and rubies […]

Ancient and aristocratic — the hypnotic beauty of emeralds have symbolized hope, rebirth, and the arrival of spring since ancient times. It’s no mistake that the promised land in The Wizard of Oz was called Emerald City. The author knew their power. Emeralds have been around for thousands of years. Cleopatra was a huge fan, […]

A beautiful sentiment of the love you feel for your partner, the words you choose to engrave inside their wedding band will stay with them for many years to come. Deciding on the perfect words or numerals to share with your spouse can be difficult, so consider these suggestions as you ponder the love and […]

Worn by some of the most powerful women in history for near a millennium, briolette cut gemstones have stood the test of time as one of the most daring and elegant cuts. Unlike today’s brilliant cut that focuses on maximizing light from the table of a gem, the briolette is designed to be viewed from […]

Especially for the man who doesn’t typically wear jewelry, choosing a wedding band can be extraordinarily difficult. Not only is there the physical appearance of the ring to consider, but there is also the weight of the metal and its durability to take into consideration. Depending on your profession and free-time activities, the durability of […]

Jewelry design is influenced by many things and world events is one of them. When the stock market crashed in 1929 during the Art Deco period, some jewelry designers got very clever so they could respond to the luxury budget-conscious market. Yes, there is such a thing. Convertible jewelry was the answer that allowed a […]

A meaningful way to add more sparkle to your bride’s left ring finger, the stacked wedding band trend continues to flourish in 2016. A look that first appeared on the fingers of celebrities like Kate Bosworth and Rebecca Romijn, the idea of wearing three (or more) rings together isn’t disappearing anytime soon. The idea behind […]

As the fashion icon Coco Chanel said, “The Roaring Twenties were all about becoming someone.” Who that was ~ well, that was up to you. And only you.

Pearls are a classic that have never gone out of fashion. Literally, since their discovery thousands of years ago, they’ve never fallen out of favor with the powerful and wealthy. It’s only in modern times, with the ability to give Mother Nature a hand, that the rest of us have gotten a chance to enjoy them too.

Remember that proposal? Sure you do. You’ve only told that story a thousand times. It never gets old, because up until that moment, it was the most important moment of your life. Once in a lifetime moments like that don’t need to happen only once. It’s your life – you get to make the rules. […]

The one ounce gold Krugerrand is one of the most popular gold coins amongst collectors around the world. I’ve always liked Krugerrands because of their reddish hue that comes from the copper added to the medal during production; it gives them a unique look and is really noticeable when compared to the U.S. and Canadian gold coins.

The gem of queens and kings is none other than rubies. For thousands of years, the luscious red color of July’s birthstone has signified romance, wealth, and power.

They say a diamond lasts forever, but does it keep its value forever? Unfortunately, your jewelry does not keep a consistent value over time, as things like daily wear and other mishaps can occur.

Inclusions are the unique identifying characteristics that are helpful in recognizing your diamond. While some people may consider them as flaws, we definitely do not think of them that way. We believe it’s more accurate to think of them as Mother Nature’s artwork trapped inside a time capsule from billions of years ago.

Three years ago, I attended a NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) conference in Pittsburgh. It was my first appraisal conference + I had no idea what to expect but I was excited.

Feeling like Beyoncé lately because you are showing off your ring everywhere you go? We totally know the feeling. Your ring shimmers and sparkles each time the light hits it, and it is the most precious item you probably have ever received from your fiancé (love how that rolls off the tongue huh?).

Traditionally, shopping for an engagement ring is a task reserved for the future Mr. But it’s the year 2016 and here at Diamonds Forever we believe the decision of how you and your partner choose an engagement ring is yours alone.

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, than fancy colored stones are clearly a girl’s BFF. Fancy diamonds offer up every color nature has to offer including red, purple, orange, and green. By far, the rarest are blue and pink and the most common are yellow and brown.

There is nothing quite as relaxing as spending an evening curled up on the couch in yoga pants, laptop in hand and your favorite T.V. show playing in the background. And whether you are in a committed relationship or just daydreaming of your future, the first place you probably go to explore current trends and […]

Tradition If someone asked you what finger an engagement ring or a wedding finger went on, you’d likely know the right answer. Typically, women wear their engagement ring and wedding ring on their left hand on their ring finger, the finger closest to the pinky. Many women do not wear rings on this finger unless […]

We’re so excited to announce that we’re giving away a Princess Diamond Engagement ring to a lucky winner. It’s our way of saying thank you to our local + online community for their support and love.

Sapphires have been ogled at for thousands of years. Those in ancient times simply adored them as much as we do today. They were also attributed magical powers that included protection from evil, cures for diseases, and the most popular use of protecting a ladies virtue. Hmmm…I’m curious exactly how that went down. And of […]

“I want to know one thing,” the artist Pablo Picasso asked, “What is color?” I dare say the gemstones of October, which include opals and tourmalines, might very well hold the answer to Picasso’s burning question. Both are famous for their command of the language of color. So much so, it seems appropriate to give […]

Weddings are often influenced by what is currently trending. Wedding gowns are constantly changing with the times and we have watched them go from lace to low back. Wedding centerpieces also change with the times, ranging from cookie-cutter keepsakes to a creative candy bar.

These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of.” Mary Ann Evans a.k.a. iconic Victorian novelist George Eliot wrote these words sometime in the mid-1800s. It’s very possible she may have been musing about the gemstones of November as both were very popular in Victorian times.

All of us know the struggle that comes with desperately trying to deleting old pictures and unwanted text messages from our phone just so we can download that song we keep hearing on the radio. We are constantly fighting with ourselves over what on our phone is worth keeping.

Even though it’s only been about a century that fluorescence in diamonds has been looked at seriously, fluorescence in nature has been catching our eye for quite a bit longer. It’s everywhere in the form of jellyfish, coral, butterflies, parrots, plants, crude oil, and minerals.

When you finally can gaze down and see your engagement ring sparkling, it can be hard to consider taking it off. However, there are certain circumstances where you should take your ring off in order to protect it.

When we think of diamonds, we often think of the sparkly bright white transparent diamonds adorning divas like Marilyn Monroe. But did you know that colored diamonds also exist? They are so rare that only 1 in 10,000 diamonds is a colored diamond. What makes one diamond have color and another to be colorless? The […]

Although diamonds were discovered centuries ago, (thank goodness!) scientists are often looking to access diamonds that are bigger and better.

When you and your future spouse get engaged, you are making your first towards your future together as husband and wife. A unique proposal, a beautifully crafted diamond ring, and the love of your life kneeling in front of you, is the moment that most women cannot wait for.

If someone asked you to picture a diamond, you likely picture a traditional white sparkling stone. However, that picture is quickly fading for some people. Demand for colored diamonds is on the rise, and investors are doing whatever they can to profit from these unique stones.

There are many things to consider when choosing a diamond. Among other things, the diamond’s girdle is something that should not be overlooked. The girdle of a diamond is the outermost edge of the diamond and the widest part of the stone. It connects the crown, or top, with the pavilion, or bottom.

With each passing year, wedding trends come and go. If you’ve ever looked at your parents wedding photos, you probably saw a lot of lace and a lot of volume. If you had family that got married in the early 2000’s, you probably saw a lot of strapless gowns and sequins. With 2017 in full-swing, weddings and engagement rings have started to develop new trends.

You’ve had your eye on a necklace forever and you finally take it home and wear it all day. Then 24 to 48 hours later you end up with an itchy red rash right where the necklace lies. What happened?

Men, and ladies too, are often in the dark when it comes time to shop for an engagement ring. There are so many different benchmarks and advice out there that trying to figure out how much to spend on an engagement ring can be one of the most confusing things in the world. And you want to do it right. Girls often dream of the perfect ring from when they’re young and we kno you want to surpass her expectations.

With each passing year, wedding trends come and go. If you’ve ever looked at your parents wedding photos, you probably saw a lot of lace and a lot of volume. If you had family that got married in the early 2000’s, you probably saw a lot of strapless gowns and sequins. With 2017 in full-swing, weddings and engagement rings have started to develop new trends.

Here at Diamonds Forever, we love to keep up with the most recent engagement ring trends to keep ourselves and our customers informed. And, of course, because we love looking at gorgeous new rings.

Hello! Welcome to the Diamonds Forever blog. We’re excited to be able to start blogging about the things we love: diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry. We are definitely blessed to be able to see beautiful things every day, and we wanted a place to share them with you. This can be a place for us to share […]