simmsjewelers

Simms Academy: Everything You Pretended to Already Know About Diamonds

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:48:25 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Winter 2026

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:05:11 GMT

Simms Academy: The Art of Gifting with Meaning

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:10:11 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Fall 2025

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:02:57 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Summer 2025

sarah@simmsjewelers.com (sarah sockolof) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:59:08 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Spring 2025

sarah@simmsjewelers.com (sarah sockolof) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 17:03:52 GMT

Simms Academy: A Look at the Eras of Jewelry

sarah@simmsjewelers.com (sarah sockolof) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:02:34 GMT

The Beginner's Guide to Garnet

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 17:17:04 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Winter 2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:27:04 GMT

Simms Academy: Why Metals Matter

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 02:41:46 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Fall 2024

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 00:02:56 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Summer 2024

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:43:51 GMT

The Beginner's Guide to Sapphire

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:20:04 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Spring 2024

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:31:10 GMT

Beginner's Guide to Amethyst

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 17:44:18 GMT

The Basics:
Mineral: Quartz
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
Color: Purple tones, pink, and green

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7

A stone that can range from the lightest of lilacs to the deepest of violets, amethyst has captured hearts for centuries, and is the lucky birthstone of February as well as the gemstone for 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Early Greek legends associated amethyst with Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure (also known as Bacchus by the Romans) - as such, legends reflected the belief that wearing amethyst kept the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted, and that the stone helped prevent drunkenness. We can't attest to THAT, but appreciate the sentiment.

If you're looking for a larger gem, amethyst may be your friend - this stone can be found in relatively large sizes with immense clarity. Did you know that the GIA Museum displayed an amethyst crystal that weighs 164 pounds?

Prior to the 19th century, amethyst was considered just as rare and valuable as ruby, but after the discovery of amethyst in Brazilian mines, it's prices have become much more affordable. That said, it's usually the most expensive of the quartz gems.

On a slightly different note, did you know that you can purchase "green amethyst?" Also known as prasiolite or green quartz, this rarely naturally-occurring gemstone presents the clarity of more traditional amethyst, but in a bright sage-green color. It's the product of iron and nickel in quartz, and can be really lovely in the right settings if purples aren't your cup of tea!

We love this beautiful gem, and it's combination of affordability, beloved purple tones, and durability make it a great choice for the wearer. And as always, let us know if you're searching for a unique amethyst piece, we're always happy to help build one for you!

Simms Illuminations: Winter 2024

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:48:04 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Fall 2023

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 22:43:49 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Summer 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 23:14:14 GMT

Care for a pair of Ruby slippers?

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:53:11 GMT

The Basics:
Mineral: Corundum
Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃
Color: All variations of red, from pinkish to dark brownish red

Mohs Scale Hardness: 9

As the color of passion, courage, and resilience, rubies are the life of the party. And resilient they are! Ranking just behind the diamond in strength, rubies register a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Said another way, they can handle the heat and will NOT get out of the kitchen, thankyouverymuch.

The party has ARRIVED! Not only is ruby the birthstone for July, it is also used to celebrate 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. If ever a gemstone were to celebrate love, it's the ruby.

Deriving from the Latin word rubens , which means red, rubies have been renowned for centuries. They were even recorded in Sanskrit as the "King of Gems".

A ruby's signature color comes from trace amounts of chromium, creating hues that range from dark red to pinkish red and everywhere in between. Their imperfections are in many ways their signature of authenticity. Because perfect rubies are nearly impossible to find, their prices can surpass those of their diamond counterparts.

Did you know? To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz, Harry Winston designed a pair of ACTUAL ruby slippers featuring 4,600 rubies.

All things considered, we'd be more than a little peeved if someone stole our sister's ruby slippers, too.

Simms Illuminations: Spring 2023

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 23:01:06 GMT

Celebrating Your Roots...

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 03:26:34 GMT

Sometimes the most precious gifts we can give (or receive) are already sitting in our jewelry box.

Heirloom jewelry is one of the greatest ways to connect with loved ones through time. As such, these pieces are not meant to sit in the back of a jewelry box. They are meant to be worn with pride and treasured from generation to generation. That said, sometimes you might acquire a piece that doesn’t suit your style or taste – but it still means something to you.

This is where we come in...

Whether you've inherited jewelry from loved ones, or you have a piece you'd like to pass down, we want to make sure your heirlooms will be well preserved and well loved. First, we will evaluate the piece’s metal and gemstone durability and condition to discern whether it can and/or should be repaired or altered. Then, we can dream together. You may already know what changes you'd like to make, but if not, that's ok too! We would love to make some suggestions....

- Wear It Differently: Maybe necklaces just aren't your style... we can turn a strand of pearls into stackable bracelets or take gemstones from one piece and set them in a ring that you'll wear with you everywhere you go. Many gemstones can be ‘repurposed’ into different pieces. And we encourage you to think of what you would like best. Earrings? A ring? A bracelet? Or a necklace? Options can be abundant and provide an opportunity for you to see the jewelry in a new light.

- Reset Precious Stones: If you inherited an engagement ring, we can update the style by crafting something completely "you" with the stones that preserve your family's history – a pendant, per se, or maybe inserted into a stylish gold bangle.

- Elevate Your Metals: If you love the gemstones featured in the jewelry, but not the metal setting, we can help find a new mounting – of a similar or a different style. Maybe you’d prefer platinum to yellow gold to make your diamond "pop." Maybe rose gold goes better with your skin tone than white gold, or you simply don't care for the style of your necklace's chain. Whatever the case, we have options.

We honor the priceless value of these heirlooms and take great care in breathing new life into them. Thank you for entrusting us with your most treasured pieces. Please stop by for a visit or give us a call if you have a piece (or pieces) you'd like to reimagine.

Your friends at Simms.

Simms Illuminations: Winter 2023

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:49:41 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Fall 2022

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Simms Illuminations: Summer 2022

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Women to Watch in the Fine Jewelry Industry

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:20:48 GMT

As we enter Women's History Month, punctuated by International Women's Day, we are joining the celebration to honor female contributions and achievements.

Being especially partial to fine jewelry, we have a fierce gratitude for the women pioneering, innovating and leading this industry.

Allow us to (re)introduce you to...

Zina Sherman grew up in the jewelry industry. Her father being a manufacturer of gold jewelry in New York City during the 1940s, Zina naturally cultivated a love for fine jewelry from a very young age which ultimately inspired the founding of Zina Jewelry in 1984. Thanks to the simultaneous emergence of sterling silver as a designer metal, Zina’s BOLD self expression in fashion and jewelry took flight, and we have been enjoying her creativity ever since.

"We lead fashion. We inspire. We do not follow, we define. We create, progress, and innovate the future of fine jewelry." - Natascha Zuchouwski

Natascha embodies all things "leadership" at Tirisi Jewelry. As a co-founder and designer of Tirisi Jewelry, she also leads the marketing, sales and production teams with equal parts poise and prowess. Living in Amsterdam, her jewelry reflects the heart of Europe, each piece capturing an element of European flare. She centers the modern woman in her designs, intending her jewelry for everyday wear and versatility without sacrificing craftsmanship or quality. With an impeccable eye for detail, Natascha's jewelry conveys a sense of thrill and surprise in each and every piece.

Celebrating Bold Femininity

Gemveto has been manufacturing timeless classics since its founding 55 years ago. Under the leadership of Mimi Galli and Irene Vitau, they're jewelry more abundantly celebrates femininity by infusing bold color and fashion into their beautiful designs. With a strict commitment to the highest standard of craftsmanship, design and material, their painstaking attention to detail shines in every handcrafted element, all expertly crafted in New York City.

"Statement pieces are at the heart of my brand, designed for women with a bold and confident style." - Lisa

Lisa Nik founded her jewelry company in 2009 to empower women with bold, luxurious designs. A California native, she gravitates toward the fiery pinks, oranges, and reds of the Pacific Coast sunsets and oceanic blues. Working with best-in-class cuts of colored gemstones such as rubellite, indicolite, emeralds, Mexican fire opals, and of course diamonds, the element of surprise is always present with her signature heart embedded into each design.

Many of you have already been empowered and emboldened by their jewelry, and we wanted to celebrate the strides of these fine women a little *extra* today.

Join us! Today is a day for jewelry! Dig into your jewelry box or come in and add to your collection. We'd love to find the pieces that celebrate you !

"The Jewel of Kings"

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:01:04 GMT

The Basics:
Mineral: Beryl
Chemical Formula: Be3Al2SiO6
Color: Green – variations abound!
Mohs Scale Hardness: 7.5-8.0

Dating back to the dawn of human civilization, emeralds have long been venerated for their rarity, vibrance AND, interestingly enough, for their inclusions (imperfections). Isn't that refreshing?

While it is true that emeralds rank among the harder gemstones, that fact belies its toughness. Generally speaking, emeralds are susceptible to breakage. As a result, especially in a ring, which can be more exposed to “bumps and bruises”, jewelers will usually caution against everyday wear. Likewise, emeralds should avoid ultrasonic cleaners. A little mild soap and warm water go a long way to preserving these gemstones for generations to come.

Mythology & Symbolism

In recent history, it's been used to celebrate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries (so far, nobody has complained about that).

The Ancient Romans associated the emerald with the goddess, Venus who represents passion, joy and unconditional love.

'Emerald' hails from the Greek word for green, ‘ smaragdus.' This gemstone is said to be a protector and healer in lore dating back to 330 B.C., and is widely known as a favorite of Cleopatra’s.

Their greenness suggests fertility, youth, new growth and the season of spring (hence it being the birthstone for May).

Vision, both physical and intuitive, has also been associated with this gemstone, said to connect the unconscious and conscious minds, cultivating psychic clairvoyance.

We cannot, of course, promise any of these powers or aptitudes with the purchase of your emerald jewelry, but here's hoping!
Do report back!

The Perfect Piece of Jewelry for the Perfect Someone

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 21:36:53 GMT

We all want to gush with excitement when our loved one opens that special gift, but finding the perfect piece of jewelry amid a sea of choices can be daunting. It’s hard to know where to begin with so many rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, cufflink and dress-sets to choose from. But fear not, my friends. A little thought and reconnaissance work can go a long way to making your loved one feel special this holiday. Here are some tips to reassure your gift-giving and keep you from glazing over in the jewelry store.

Scan her jewelry box

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to have too many pieces of jewelry. I have a friend who I refuse to sell another ring to because she’s out of fingers and days of the week. If you see an abundance of earrings but not many necklaces, buy something that will balance the collection. This way your gift is likely to be worn more often.

Metals matter

This is an important detail because it is often a strong preference – silver, gold, rose gold, etc. Don’t guess! Buying consistent metals makes it easier to mix and match jewelry. More importantly, it keeps your loved one from saying, “after all these years, you haven’t even noticed that ?!”

Walk in with a budget and purpose

Aside from metals, having a budget and a purpose will be the fastest way to narrow your search. Do you want something for everyday use or something a bit more formal for a special occasion? You’ll be able to find budget friendly options for both everyday and special occasion jewelry.

Shop where she (or he!) shops

This may be your biggest savior of all because your jeweler may have some intel. At Simms, we “spy” on our clients year-round, so odds are that we can help you with gift ideas. If a client notices something she likes, we make a note. Sometimes we’re sneaky, but often we will maintain a wish list for our clients at their direction. If your special someone has a wish list, you will be all the more confident in and excited about your gift.

It’s the thought that counts

Don’t have enough clues? A gift card is a great alternative (and not a cop out!). They can be just as thoughtful - “for a new pair of earrings” or for “remounting your engagement ring.” Ours are packaged in gift boxes to make sure it dazzles from under the Christmas tree.

**Bonus gift

Is the jewelry box in disarray? Maybe a new jewelry box is in order. Especially among large jewelry collections, pieces are liable to be lost and forgotten when they fall to the bottom of a jumbled mess, and nobody wants to spend time untangling necklaces (not even us). Keeping jewelry clean and organized helps ensure that it’s worn more often.

The Beginner's Guide to Peridot

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 14:18:26 GMT

The "evening emerald."

The Basics:

Mineral : Olivine
Chemical Formula : (MgFe)2SiO4
Color : Yellowish Green
Mohs Scale Hardness : 6.5 to 7

The Birthstone of August: There’s no mistaking the bright yellow green of Peridot, the birthstone of August. Associated with light, this stone was surfaced by volcanoes and treasured by the Egyptians. In fact, some historians believe Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may, in fact, have been Peridot.

History: Peridot is one of the oldest colored gemstones. On the rare occasion, it has also been found in extraterrestrial substances – meteorites and comet dust! More often, it’s found in the Canary Islands, China, Brazil, Norway, Hawaii, Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa.

How to Wear It: A versatile stone, peridot compliments yellow or white metals. It shines when shrouded with a touch of diamond and catches the eye in earrings and necklaces. Modestly priced, peridot is a relatively affordable colored gemstone as well!

Mythology & Symbolism: Ancient Egyptians called Peridot the “gem of the sun” and wore it at night to protect them throughout the night. Romans called it the “evening emerald” because of its ability to stay bright even under the dimness of candlelight. Peridot is also referred to as the stone of compassion, and is believed to bring about good health, restful sleep, and peace and balance to the mind.

We're Back!

Thu, 21 May 2020 21:41:49 GMT

REOPENING Tuesday, May 19
by appointment, curbside: Tuesday - Saturday

Thank you for riding this wave with us. We will continue to adapt, and very much look forward to opening our doors as soon as possible.

Remember when...

While many things have changed, our commitment to serve you has not. Even though we can’t present to you the way we’ve become accustomed, we can still provide the professional, reliable, informative experience you rely on us for.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Call us: (908) 781-7818

E-mail us: info@simmsjewelers.com

Chat with us: www.simmsjewelers.com

CURBSIDE OPERATION PROTOCOLS

SHOPPING :

Our initial idea-exchange can occur via phone, e-mail, Zoom, FaceTime, etc. Based on our conversation, we will assemble an appropriate (and hopefully exciting & satisfying) collection. We’ll set your appointment time and re-convene curbside, face-to-face (well, masked-face to masked-face). We’ll even bring the mirror!

Reminder: Our return policy has not changed. We want you (or your "giftee") to LOVE your selection. If you don't, return it for a refund or exchange. Your expenditure is safe with us.

JEWELRY/WATCH REPAIR:

We ask for your understanding as we will not be able to accommodate requests for service

while you wait.

Please be prepared to provide contact information so we can prepare the necessary take-in forms. At your scheduled appointment time, please call to inform us of your arrival (908) 781-7818. We will come to your car to retrieve the item to be left and provide you with a receipt. Once the jeweler (Jerry) has processes and examines the repair, he will call you with an estimate (both for the time necessary to complete the job as well as the anticipated expense).

Upon repair completion we will call you to make delivery and payment arrangements.

Simms continues to accept cash, check and Visa/MC.

Spring Obsessions 2019

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:35:14 GMT

With the days growing longer, buds peeping on trees and robins exploring our backyards again, we thought we’d take a second to highlight five of our jewelry obsessions this spring.

Emeralds

This bright green gem shouts springtime to anyone who wears it. Take a look at this alternating emerald and diamond ring with a beautiful profile, or a simple pair of emerald huggies for everyday wear, or this stunner of a necklace.

Fantastical Florals

Our collection from Tirisi Moda offers a variety of gemstone rings with diamond accents – mix and match for a bundle of your favorite earth tones, or just wear them alone! Or, go the unique and bold look with a statement ring reminiscent of a blooming flower.

The Classic: Gold Chain

We love layers, as you can tell by our obsession with stackable jewelry. But bracelets are another perfect way to round out your expressive style and jewels, especially a solid gold chain. From simple and delicate links to chic and bulky – you can’t go wrong with this jewelry staple.

Colorful Beads

For a fun accent, consider adding a strand of colorful beads to your wardrobe. With a medley of springtime tones, these pieces can accent everyday dresses or office wear, and offer a fun alternative to up your necklace game.

Stackables and a Layered Look

Few things are better than a great company with a moving story. MyStory, inspired pieces by a young woman’s journey to motherhood through adoption, offers a variety of simple and sweet necklaces and rings that are perfect for stacking. Add color and personality (with meaning) to your Spring style and celebrate with the birthstones of those who are closest to you.

View the full collection of our Spring Obsessions by clicking here . Better yet, come and try on one of these beauties before they (like those spring flowers) disappear!

The Beginner's Guide Aquamarine

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:41:58 GMT

The "lucky stone."

The Basics:

Mineral : Beryl
Chemical Formula : Be3Al2Si6O18
Color : Light blue to bluish green
Mohs Scale Hardness : 7.5 – 8.0

The Birthstone of March: Related to other beryl gems like Emerald and Morganite, Aquamarine is a striking blue stone with high clarity and often an eye-clean appearance. Derived from Latin, aqua ‘water’ marine ‘of the sea’ gets its namesake from its bright glassy blue color.

The deeper the color of an Aquamarine stone, the higher the value. Other important factors can include quality of clarity and cut, as better cuts highlight the stone’s brilliance. Rarely, Aquamarine can contain a cat’s eye effect, or chatoyancy, in which light reflects in a vertical sliver of visual delight that appears to move when the stone is rotated side to side.

History: Brazil remains the leading source for Aquamarine, while Australia, Burma, China, India, Kenya, and some locations in the United States have produced quality stones. The largest aqua to date was found in the ‘Minas Gerais’ mine in Marambaya, Brazil. Weighing in at over 240lbs and almost 19 inches long, the aquamarine produced over 100,000 carats of carved gemstones.

How to Wear It: With a durable hardness on the Mohs Scale of 7.5-8.0, aquamarine is versatile and can be worn as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Most commonly faceted into an emerald cut, aquamarine’s beautiful blue color compliments every skin tone and eye color.

Aquamarine is strong, but, like most other gemstones, it can be prone to cracking if it suffers a direct hit, so treat it with care. It’s safe to wash with warm soapy water but should avoid being heated to avoid discoloration. Ultrasonic machines are safe to use on your aquas, so long as the stone isn’t compromised by a crack.

Mythology & Symbolism: Like the history of its name suggests, aquamarine is considered the sailor’s “lucky stone” and is said to ensure safe passage across tumultuous seas. In folklore, aquamarine is considered to have healing powers when worn against the skin.

Worth Their Weight In Gold

sarah@simmsjewelers.com (sarah sockolof) — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 00:03:02 GMT

Every jewelry box is full of sentiment and thoughtfulness, their contents folding into our daily lives as reminders of those who love us. Our jewelry ornaments our bodies and accessorizes our style, each piece telling a different story. Some are heirlooms passed down through generations, keeping alive those who have passed. Others recognize the budding romance of a lifelong commitment.

I personally wear a beautiful, gold monogram pendant that belonged to my grandmother. My grandfather had given it to her, and I wear it often. Yes, it suits my style and taste, but more importantly it reminds me of my grandparents. Every time I receive a compliment on it, which is frequently, I'm able to tell the story from whence it came, keeping my awesome MomMom ever-present in my daily life. And, for the romantics out there, my Grandfather had engraved 'Ilymwepy' on the back of the pendant. Translation: "I love you more with every passing year." (I know, Ahhhhhh!)

Well made jewelry like this - the kind that lives through generations, withstands the tests of time. Like love, it endures all things and reminds us to hope all things. Those, my friends, are the gifts worth their weight in gold.

We don’t buck the trend. We transcend it.

sarah@simmsjewelers.com (sarah sockolof) — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:41:46 GMT

A few days after Christmas, a mother and daughter visited Simms. They were visiting town for the holidays when Mom decided to introduce her daughter to one of her favorite stores. Mom has been a regular visitor of Simms for over a decade, always unwrapping a piece of jewelry from our store at Christmas. As the three of us wandered and talked, I learned that one of her FAVORITE pieces of jewelry dates back to her youth - a classic, wide, sterling silver bangle bracelet. Even though it is “well-loved” (a little banged up) and one of the older pieces in her collection, it remains her go-to piece of jewelry. A timeless classic.

With every New Year arise new trends, and while admittedly they are fun, trendy jewelry never evokes the same sense of nostalgia and longevity of wear. And, let’s face it, it ain’t cheap! Well, often times the quality is cheap, but at $100 a pop 2-3 times a year, trendy jewelry can rob you blind and ends up lost, broken or obsolete within 12 months. Why not instead spend that $200-$300 on a finely made, timeless piece that will last for decades and weave into the narrative of your life’s story. My bet is that Mom’s treasured bangle will adorn her daughter’s wrist one day.

As we continued wandering around the store, Mom spotted a similar bracelet in our cases and exclaimed, “That is almost as beautiful & everyday as the one I have. Almost .” Being timeless doesn’t mean being boring. In the same way that we can’t imagine a wardrobe without blue jeans, our timeless jewelry enhances any wardrobe in both style and function. What's more, the care and craftsmanship of timeless jewelry withstands the tests of time for future generations to enjoy. Whereas a trend belongs to the masses, a classic piece of handcrafted jewelry belongs to you. And the latter has my vote every time.

The Perfect Piece of Jewelry for the Perfect Someone

sarah@simmsjewelers.com (sarah sockolof) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 21:15:45 GMT

We all want to gush with excitement when our loved one opens that special gift, but finding the perfect piece of jewelry amid a sea of choice can be daunting. It’s hard to know where to begin with so many rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, cufflink and dress-sets to choose from. But fear not, my friends. A little thought and reconnaissance work can go a long way to making your loved one feel special this holiday. Here are some tips to reassure your gift-giving and keep you from glazing over in the jewelry store.

Scan her jewelry box

Metals matter

This is an important detail because it is often a strong preference – silver (white), gold (yellow), rose gold (pink), etc. Don’t guess! Buying consistent metals makes it easier to mix and match jewelry. More importantly, it keeps your loved one from saying, “after all these years, you haven’t even noticed that ?!”

Walk in with a budget and purpose

Aside from metals, having a budget and a purpose will be the fastest way to narrow your search. Do you want something for everyday use or something a bit more formal for a special occasion?

Shop where she (or he!) shops

This may be your biggest savior of all because your jeweler may have some intel. At Simms, we “spy” on our clients year-round, so odds are that we can help you with gift ideas. If a client notices something she likes, we make a note. Sometimes we’re sneaky, but often we will maintain a wish list at our client’s direction. If your special someone has a wish list, you will be all the more confident in and excited about your gift.

It’s the thought that counts

Don’t have enough clues? A gift card is a great alternative (and not a cop out!). They can be just as thoughtful - “for a new pair of earrings” or “for remounting your engagement ring.” Ours are packaged in gift boxes to make sure they dazzle from under the Christmas tree.

**Bonus gift