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Estate jewelry is not only beautiful, but it magically transports us to a different time and place.  There’s something so romantic about wearing a piece of jewelry that carries years of history and a unique story. With their old-world craftsmanship and hand-forged metal work, vintage pieces definitely stand out among today’s mass-produced jewelry. Typically cut by hand with their own dust, antique diamonds give a warm, romantic glow. Hand-cut stones are often sought after for their diffused light reflecting properties and unique facet patterns.

Vintage jewelry falls into several eras with distinct styles emerging in each...

JEWEL OF THE MONTH: PEARL

The Queen of Gems

Known as the Queen of Gems, pearls have adorned royalty since the 5th century BC when Romans and Egyptians prized them as symbols of riches and power.  From Cleopatra to Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, pearls have been a staple in the royal wardrobe for centuries.  It’s no surprise that these luminous beauties are a constant on today’s Red Carpet, and the go-to gem for stars like Kiera Knightly, Hillary Swank, Angelina Jolie, and Emma Watson...

Spring Fields of Green

With its vibrant green hue, the emerald has captivated cultures around the globe for over 6,000 years. Its name was first translated from Sanskrit as marakata, meaning the green of growing things. Embodying the lush color of Spring, the emerald has long been associated with renewal and rebirth. The earliest known emerald mine is located in the mountain valley of Wadi Sikait in Egypt's Eastern Desert, where mining began in the first century BC.  Egyptian mummies were buried with emeralds thought to ensure eternal youth, and Queen Cleopatra gave foreign dignities emeralds carved in her likeness...

It was 5 years ago today that we opened our doors and our hearts to the Sarasota community.  During this time, we're humbled to have grown from an upscale neighborhood jeweler to a premier purveyor of fine jewelry and Swiss timepieces serving Florida's entire Gulf Coast.  

Family-owned and operated, Carats Fine Jewelry & Watches was founded with a dream of creating a full-service jeweler with a concierge experience.  Offering estate and jewelry buying, expert appraisals, onsite repairs, and in-house custom design, Carats is your go-to jeweler for all your needs.  But what truly sets us apart is that our goal has never been about making the sale.  It's about developing lifelong relationships as we help our customers celebrate life's special moments.   

Whether you're browsing our showroom or visiting our lab for a custom piece or repair, our team of GIA-certified gemologists and onsite master jewelers is committed to providing exceptional personal service in a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere...