Hozoni Blog

On any given weekend, there is sure to be a gem show somewhere near you. As designers that use rough gems, we could not live without these shows to grab gorgeous stones for our inventory. But there are also plenty of non jewelry making folks perusing the isles for meaningful stones or jewelry to buy. If you've been to one, you know how busy they can get, and also how overwhelming it can be to scour through to find just the right piece. If you've never stepped foot in a gem show - go! It will definitely be an interesting and fun experience, and we're positive you'll find something you'll love.

Here are a few tips that we live by when it comes to hunting for gems:

Watch out for synthetic stones There are a lot of manufactured stones out there. For some people, this isn't an issue, but for us it is very important to find natural stones made by mother earth. So, be aware and ask questions if the description on the gem packaging does not outright tell you. Sometimes you can tell the difference because the color is very even or highly saturated, or by the price it is being sold for. When in doubt, ask the seller.

Sifting through rough sapphires

Look for clarity, baby!  It is extremely important to us to find rough gemstones with incredible clarity. It takes a bit of practice, and is also based on your personal taste, but we love to find stones that are super clean with little to no inclusions/imperfections. These stones are often called facet rough. This can be a challenge with raw stones, but it can be done. That's why they call it hunting ;)

This gorgeous mint garnet has amazing clarity and fire

Be bold and negotiate  Don't shy away from negotiating for a better price. You will often find that sellers are open to negotiating a price or throw in a free stone or two, especially if you are buying multiple items. Of course, always do this with a smile and be kind.

We found this amazing aquamarine on a previous gem hunting trip. It's still a work in progress, so it is not up for sale yet. Interested in making it yours? Email us at info@hozonidesigns.com and we will help make it happen!

Hydrate, fuel up, and be comfy!  You will be on your feet for many hours hunting for those gems. So, wear comfy shoes, keep yourself hydrated, and don't get hangry - bring snacks! Some of the venues offer snack bar food, but some do not. Don't get stuck like Steve and I did this past weekend with no food or water on us, buying a sad little pack of nuts from the vending machine.

If you find the gem of your dreams and want something custom made with it, let us know!  Email us at info@hozonidesigns.com and we will start the custom order process with you.

We have a new collection, and we're excited to share it with you!

Introducing...our new engagement ring collection!

Our rustic traditional engagement rings feature our aesthetic of contrasting texture, finishes and organic shapes combined with traditional prong set brilliant cut white diamonds.

While we absolutely love the look and uniqueness of our alternative engagement ring selection, we wanted to provide options for brides-to-be that are a bit more traditional, but also have that coveted rustic, organic flair.

These rings are offered in our four shades of gold, with or without a diamond halo, side diamonds, and varied options on the width of the band. We also offer custom commissions, and can create the right combination of design elements to suit your needs. We can source a center stone to fit your budget, just let us know. Have a stone already? We can set that too. We love working with our customers to help them find the perfect setting for their family heirloom stone.

It's up to you! Go crazy mixing and matching the elements into the ring that suits YOU! 

We are available to consult with you on your engagement ring design by email or Skype - just reach out to us to set up a consult!

Curious about the custom design process? Learn more here: Custom Orders

We recently had the pleasure of crafting Marcy's wedding band, and wanted to share her words with you. Marcy choose our Men's Organic Gold Band for herself and provided us with diamonds from her mother-in-law to set. What came out was a wonderful mixture of rustic gorgeousness and sentiment. We were very honored to custom make this ring for her!

Photo by Jones Photography Company

"I just got my custom-made ring from Hozoni Designs and I am so thrilled!! I worked with Daniele and Steve to create a wedding band, using diamonds from my mother-in-law's ring. They made a perfect ring that incorporates the rustic elements, which attracted me to their unique jewelry, with the tradition of family heirloom diamonds. Having a piece made especially for me makes my wedding band so special and sentimental. I looked far and wide for a style of ring that suited my taste, and I am so happy that I found Hozoni Designs!!!" - Marcy B.