Alex Sepkus Designer Facts

Alex Sepkus is a master of design, and a true original in today’s world. Sepkus is first a craftsman whose priority is beauty, and whose insight and passion for his work are his driving force in life. “I do not keep my technique a secret. Its simply the thing that I do with my fingers that transfer the idea from my head to the material.”

A native of Vilnius, Alex received his graduate degree in industrial design from the Lithuanian Academy of Arts. His studies included interiors, glass making, sculpture, etchings, and graphics, with his graduate work primarily in jewelry design.

Alex immigrated to the United States in 1988, and quickly gained attention and respect from his peers, earning the Jewelers of America New Designer Award within his first 5 years. Designs by Alex Sepkus can now be seen in over 100 of the finest specialty stores around the country.

Today, Alex employs 18 craftsman in his shop in New York City. Each piece of Alex Sepkus jewely is made completely in their New York shop, solely from his original designs.

Alex Sepkus is more than a designer of jewelry; he had created his own category of jewelry. He is not derivative and does not follow trends. He simply wants to create beautiful things.

Ruby Facts and Tips:

Fun Facts:

• Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July, and is also a traditional gift to mark the 15th or 40th wedding anniversaries.



• Ruby has historically has been the gemstone to signify passion and love.



• Ruby has also been known to ensure harmony, guard against sorrow, and inspire confidence and success.



• Ruby is derived from the Latin word ruber, which means red.



• The darkest, highest quality rubies known to be “pigeon-blood” red in color, and are very rare.



• Rubies can vary in shade, going from a light champagne color to a very dark purple-red.



• Rubies are sometimes enhanced by traditional heating methods to produce, intensify, or lighten color, and/or improve clarity.



• Rubies have always been held in high esteem by Asian cultures. They were used to ornament armor of noblemen in China and India, and also placed under the foundation of buildings to secure good fortune.
  

Buying and Care Tips :

• Rubies are a very durable, rating as a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, right before the diamond, which scores a 10.



• Rubies can never be flawless, unlike diamonds. Small inclusions on rubies are normal, but avoid rubies with inclusions near the surface because it can make the stone weaker and more prone to possible cracks.



• Rubies do not scratch or deface easily, so it can be worn virtually all the time without worry. It is not suggested you wear it while doing strenuous work.



• Cleaning with a mechanical jewelry cleaner is usually safe for rubies, but it is recommended you talk to your jeweler about the most ideal cleaning process for your ruby.