Siesta Key jeweler Mark Edwards says created gems let travelers enjoy beauty without worry
By Jane Bartnett
Traveling this winter? Wondering how to travel safely with treasured engagement rings, diamond earrings, necklaces and bracelets?
Experts advise that instead of wearing valuable jewelry while traveling, consider travel jewelry. “Enjoying beautiful, man-made jewelry that replicates the look of fine diamonds and gemstones is an option many savvy and wealthy women and men are choosing,” said Siesta Key jeweler Mark Edwards of Created Gems on Ocean Boulevard. “Wearing exquisite, created gems takes the pressure and worry out of travel.”
A third-generation custom jewelry designer who relocated to Siesta Key from suburban Farmington Hills, Michigan, 25 years ago, Edwards and his wife, Barbie, opened Created Gems in the heart of Siesta Village. Drawing on decades of experience in fine jewelry, Edwards set out to offer beautiful designs in what he calls “affordable and safely wearable jewelry.”
Edwards is the exclusive distributor of trademarked Spektralyte Diamonds, sold only at Created Gems. The stones are “permanent, D-flawless, lab-created diamonds with all the specifications of a quality diamond, matching cut, clarity and faceting,” he said. Many customers wear Spektralyte creations every day.
“On vacation, they can travel knowing they don’t have to fear if their created jewelry is lost or stolen,” Edwards said. “We can replicate that piece if need be.”
According to a study commissioned by Jewelers Mutual, a national insurance company, more than 1,500 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who own at least one piece of fine jewelry were surveyed. The study found a growing number of women opt for travel jewelry that replicates the look of precious gems. Eighty percent of those surveyed said they wear travel jewelry and secure their fine jewelry at home or in a safe place.
Engagement rings are worn by 87% of women surveyed who travel. Edwards noted that valuable diamond engagement rings, along with earrings, are the jewelry pieces most often lost at beaches and in hotel rooms.
Many women wear diamond stud earrings daily, and it can be easy to lose one without realizing it until it’s too late. For travel, Edwards said, “being able to wear an engagement ring that replicates the one you love, or a beautiful teardrop necklace as an everyday piece, without fear of loss or theft, offers real peace of mind.”
Attending a black-tie event also presents an opportunity to enjoy beautiful jewelry without worry, Edwards said. “Don’t hesitate. We have a wide collection of exquisite necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings that anyone would envy.” He noted that his designs are priced affordably, making replacement far less stressful.
“If someone were to lose one of our diamond stud earrings, misplace a bracelet or accidentally leave a piece behind, it will absolutely not cost a small fortune to replace it,” he said.
“Wearing duplicate travel jewelry is a safe, practical and secure way to give yourself peace of mind,” Edwards said. “Only you will know you’re not wearing the real thing. If it’s lost, it’s not costly to replace.”
Security tips for traveling with jewelry
Security experts advise travelers to wear jewelry — whether man-made or heirloom — on their person when possible. A thief in an airport, on a busy street or in a hotel won’t know or stop to ask whether a ring, bracelet or necklace is real. Chubb Insurance recommends storing important jewelry in a hotel’s main safe rather than in-room safes. To reduce the risk of theft, jewelry should be packed in nondescript boxes and secured in a zippered travel case placed in carry-on luggage. Jewelry should never be packed in checked bags. If a piece has value, experts also recommend documenting it.
Created diamonds and gemstones, Edwards said, have been worn by stylish women and men for years. He recalled that several stars of The Real Housewives television franchise have worn jewelry from Created Gems.
“There’s so much to worry about these days,” Edwards said. “It’s wonderful to dress up and add beautiful jewelry for a night out. Jewelry adds elegance to the wearer and the occasion. It’s possible to enjoy that moment stress-free, knowing that if something happens to the piece, it can be replicated without costing a fortune.”
Created Gems is located at 5212 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Key. For more information, call 941-346-0988.
