Category Archives: VIP Newsletters

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Picking out the right piece of jewelry can be a huge decision both financially and emotionally. This is a piece of art you (or your loved one) will be wearing for years to come and might be passed down one day. When you choose to purchase from your local jewelry store over a chain, you’re choosing quality, education, and an overall better purchasing experience. Unlike the big chain stores, private jewelers purchase their gems from reputable sources, hand-picking what they’ll sell, versus the chains who purchase in bulk. Come in to CMI and you will receive the full attention of our staff, who will educate you on what you’re looking to purchase and find something that’s perfect for you!
 

Ruby

Rubies

Ruby is the birthstone for July and the gem for 15th and 40th anniversaries. Besides being valued for its bright color, it is the most desirable gem due to hardness, durability, luster, and rarity. Transparent rubies of large sizes are even rarer than diamonds. The ruby’s rich, vivid red color is due to the presence of chromium, and its almost identical twin sister the sapphire is similar in all but color.

mined by its shape, size, and brilliance. Pearls have come to symbolize a happy marriage, purity, and modesty.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
Oak City Park

 
On July 13th head to Dorthea Dix Park for Destination SunFest, a celebration of summer, fun, and sunflowers! The event includes live music, food trucks, vendors, arts & crafts, carnival rides, hayrides, mini-golf, and so much more!




PLACES TO EAT:
Oak City Meatballs
 
lola

If you’re on the hunt for the best meatballs in the Triangle, make sure to check out Oak City! They offer great options for appetizers, sides, and desserts, plus tons of different types of meatballs, including buffalo chicken, veggie, spicy pork, and of course, traditional. They also let you pair your meatballs with one of the sauces they offer, from pesto, to meat sauce, to blue cheese cream.

  

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June is a special month to so many people – it’s one of the most popular months for wedding anniversaries. Jewelry is always a special way to commemorate the day they said “I do.” Traditional gifts for some of the biggest marriage anniversary milestones are diamonds, sapphires and gold. Whether you’re looking to restyle your original ring or looking for a special gift to show your love, we have something for every taste and budget at our Showroom.
 

Pearl

Amethyst

The traditional birthstone for the month of June is pearl. Formed when a foreign irritant is introduced to an oyster, pearl is the only organic gemstone. It is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by women of all ages. A pearl’s value is determined by its shape, size, and brilliance. Pearls have come to symbolize a happy marriage, purity, and modesty.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
Kidzu Children’s Museum

 
School’s out! If you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids, we highly suggest Kidzu in Chapel Hill. Kidzu is a great children’s museum featuring lots of interactive exhibits, including an outdoor garden, their STEM focused “Spin Zone”, and their Forest Theatre (plus so much more!)




PLACES TO EAT:
Al’s Pub Shack
 
lola

While you’re in Chapel Hill, we highly suggest you try out Al’s Pub Shack, the latest culinary hotspot in the area. Newly opened in Governors Village, Al’s features lots of tasty dishes. We highly recommend Nancy Bell’s Rilette, a smoked salmon appetizer, paired with one of their signature cocktails. For a bigger appetite, try the Jimbo – crafted from ribeye steak, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, and more. Be sure to order the mac and cheese as your side!

  

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May is a beautiful time of year to celebrate the one you love. Whether it’s your favorite mom, an anniversary celebration, or just to surprise that someone special, at CMI we have jewelry that will fit every budget and taste. Our friendly, non-commission experts are happy to help you find the perfect gift no matter the occasion. Be sure to visit our website at www.cmijewelry.com to learn more about the stunning brands we carry.
 

Emerald

Amethyst

May’s birthstone is the beautiful and bright Emerald – the perfect stone for a spring birthday! Emerald is one of the most prized gemstones, appearing in a pure green or blue-green color. Many times Emeralds are found in the “step” or “emerald” cut, but there are other popular cuts for this stone, including cabochon or dome shapes.

According to legend, emeralds cured a variety of ailments, including poor eyesight, infertility, and even low I.Q. It was also said to allow the wearer to predict the future. Now it’s known for being a beautiful and fashionable stone, with a fair amount of toughness and a hardness of 7.5-8.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
Kings Dining & Entertainment

 
Kings is perfect when you’re looking for a nostalgic activity with a twist! This is not your classic bowling alley and game room – Kings has taken it to the next level and have somehow turned billiards and bowling into an upscale occasion. The multiple television and projector screens also make it a great place to watch the big game.




PLACES TO EAT:
Mia Francesca
 
lola

Not far from Kings is Mia Francesca, an Italian restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere. A few recommended dishes include the Linguine con Frutti de Mare, Pollo Parmigiana, and their pizzas. They also offer a gluten-free menu, making Italian food accessible for everyone!
  

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It’s finally Spring, and love is in the air! This is a beautiful time of year to get engaged, and the upcoming months are also very popular for weddings. At CMI Jewelry, we offer a wide variety of fine jewelry, but our engagement and bridal collections are truly stunning. Whether you are looking for the ring of her dreams, an anniversary gift, or just something to say “I love you”, stop in and shop with our expert jewelers and see what we have in store for you!
 

Diamond

diamonds

April’s birthstone is the most popular of all the gemstones – the diamond! Besides being a birthstone, it’s also a very popular choice for engagement rings, and traditional 10 and 60 year anniversary gifts. The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means “unconquerable” – the perfect way to suggest a love for eternity. The most popular diamonds are colorless, but you can find them in a wide variety of shades from green, to pink, to yellow. They are also one of the most durable gemstones you can purchase.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
Kings Dining & Entertainment

 
Kings is perfect when you’re looking for a nostalgic activity with a twist! This is not your classic bowling alley and game room – Kings has taken it to the next level and have somehow turned billiards and bowling into an upscale occasion. The multiple television and projector screens also make it a great place to watch the big game.


PLACES TO EAT:
Capital City Club
 
royale

After you’re in the “spirit” of St. Patrick’s Day, we suggest you grab a bite to eat at Hibernian Pub. Hibernian features a rooftop patio, live music, beer and cocktails, and delicious Irish-American eats. Some of the top menu items include Bangers & Mash, Fish ‘n Chips, and Shepherd’s Pie. If you would prefer to cure your St. Patty’s Day hangover instead, head down to Hibernian on Sunday for a great brunch and Bloody Mary.
  

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Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to brighten up your style with some gemstones! While our showroom features an incredible collection of engagement and wedding bands, we also carry dozens of fine jewelry brands at a variety of price levels. Whether you’re looking for simple silver or gold pieces, or bright and fashionable gems, we have it all. Stop in to explore some of our gemstone collections, including Luvente, Gem House, Asher, Raymond Mazza, and more!
 

Aquamarine

Amethyst

March’s birthstone is the beautiful aquamarine. Aquamarine is a refreshing shade of sea blue, and is in the same gemstone family as the emerald. Aquamarine is said to signify new friendships, and in the past it was also known to aid seafarers. It’s a brilliant, durable, and readily available stone, and looks stunning in an emerald or oval cut.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
St. Patricks Day

 
It’s March, so of course that means it’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! The best stop in Raleigh? The annual parade and festival. This year it’s taking place on March 16, starting at 10am. There will be great bands, Irish dancing, vendors, and of course – food! If you’re looking for the ideal way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Triangle, this is it.




PLACES TO EAT:
Hibernian Pub
 
lola

After you’re in the “spirit” of St. Patrick’s Day, we suggest you grab a bite to eat at Hibernian Pub. Hibernian features a rooftop patio, live music, beer and cocktails, and delicious Irish-American eats. Some of the top menu items include Bangers & Mash, Fish ‘n Chips, and Shepherd’s Pie. If you would prefer to cure your St. Patty’s Day hangover instead, head down to Hibernian on Sunday for a great brunch and Bloody Mary.
  

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Happy February! If you haven’t been to see our showroom yet, this is the perfect month to visit us! Our showroom is stocked with incredible designer jewelry – whether you are looking for an engagement ring, wedding ring, or a luxury gift for the one you love. At CMI we have stunning pieces to fit every price range, paired with an expert, no-pressure staff to help you find the perfect gift. Visit CMI Jewelry Showroom and fall in love!
 

Garnet

Amethyst

February’s birthstone is a popular choice among gemstone lovers – amethyst. The amethyst is a variety of quartz that comes in shades ranging from pale lilac to purple so dark it almost appears black. Amethyst is a durable and readily available stone that can be worn daily. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst prevented intoxication, and it also symbolizes peace, tranquility, and protection. Amethysts also adorn the Crown Jewels, along with Greek and Egyptian ornaments.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
Galaxy Fun Park

 
If you’re looking for a day of fun with your family, don’t miss out on going to Galaxy Fun Park. This place has something for everyone – trampolines, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, indoor laser tag, go karts, and of course lots of fun arcade games.



PLACES TO EAT:
The Lost Cajun
 
lola

Right next to Galaxy Fun Park is the Lost Cajun, featuring comfort food and large portions. They start you start with a taste flight of their Cajun Classics: Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, Lobster Bisque, Chick and Sausage Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, and Jambalaya. We love the Po ‘Boys, and highly recommend the beignets. Plus, they ship all of their ingredients and bread in directly from Louisiana!
  

CMI-FacebookGraphics-JAN19

Happy New Year! As we begin 2019, we want to thank all of our customers and CMI VIPs for a wonderful 2018. We are so proud to be your local jeweler, and work hard to provide each person who comes into our showroom with a great experience. Although our company has been providing the Triangle with the best in diamonds and jewelry since 1970, we still keep up with current trends and constantly look for new additions to add to our collection. In 2018 we brought you Vahan, and we are starting out 2019 by introducing Phillip Gavriel. Stop in to see us and see why so many have made CMI Jewelry Showroom their jeweler.
 

Garnet

garnet

Garnet is a beautiful stone known for being not only January’s birthstone, but also the traditional second anniversary gift. Garnets are typically known for a deep red shade, but they actually come in every color with the exception of blue – you can find them in shades of red, green, yellow, orange, and brown. Their variety of shades, toughness, and affordability make them a popular choice among jewelry gemstones.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
Crafty Beer Wine Spirits

 
Crafty Beer Wine Spirits is a great place to catch a drink – whether you want to stay at the bar, or grab some beer to go. They have an incredible selection of craft beer, along with a great wine selection and cocktail menu. If you’re looking for a fun, dog-friendly spot to try a new brew, we highly suggest heading here, especially in warmer months when you can enjoy their patio.


PLACES TO EAT:
Lola’s Beach Bar
 
lola

If you’re looking to grab a bite close to Crafty, make sure to check out Lola’s Beach Bar. Lola’s has a great beach bar and grill vibe right in the heart of Five Points. They have a great draft beer selection, and we highly suggest their Standard Margarita. If you’re looking for some menu recommendations, we suggest the Baja Blackened Fish Tacos, Chicken Gnarley Nachos, and the Crusin’ Dilla.
  

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you’re looking for the perfect gift, you can never go wrong with jewelry. Our showroom has dozens of top designers and we have gifts that will fit every price range. Our qualified experts are there to assist you with finding the perfect gift, without the pressure that so many of the big box stores use. You can also have your loved one come in to fill out a holiday wish list, so you will know exactly what to purchase!
 

Blue Topaz

topaz

December’s birthstone is Blue Topaz – a radiant gem that looks stunning in all types of jewelry. Though Topaz comes in a variety of colors, its most popular color is blue, and a variety of shades are available. While the stone starts out colorless, gem treatments can change the color, and Blue Topaz first became available in the early 1970s. In Ancient Greece, Topaz was thought to give the wearer strength. It’s incredibly versatile, affordable, and very hard, making it a great choice for jewelry worn every day.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : 
C. Grace Cocktail Bar

 
C. Grace is a speakeasy style jazz bar that specializes in great music and incredible cocktails. While they have a great drink list to try out, we are big fans of their whiskey sour, authentically made with an egg white. We love taking a step back in time and grabbing a drink at this location – for a perfect night out in December, we suggest grabbing dinner at MOFU and a cocktail at C. Grace.


PLACES TO EAT:
Mofu Shoppe
 
royale

MOFU-Shoppe in Raleigh is a great spot with an eclectic atmosphere with delicious dishes. The owners were winners on Season 6 of “The Great Food Truck Race”, and they opened MOFU-Shoppe with their earnings from the show. A few of our favorite dishes are the Salmon Tartare (great to share), Pork & Dumplings, and our absolute favorite – the Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts. This place has everything from Octopus to Braised Short Ribs, so check it out!
  

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It’s finally fall in North Carolina! While we embrace this beautiful time of year, keep in mind that the holidays are just around the corner. If you or your loved ones like to shop a little early, it may be the perfect time to come into CMI to complete a wishlist. Our expert staff does not work on commission and will take the time to help you pick out your dream gifts. We will keep the list in our showroom, and when your loved ones stop in our staff will help them to find the pieces you have selected. Get what you really want this year, and make it simple!

While there are lots of looks to choose from, our staff makes it easy to find the perfect wedding bands. Your bands represent your love and commitment to one another, so visit CMI and have peace of mind that your rings will last as long as your love – a lifetime.
 

Citrine

opal

Citrine is the stunning birthstone for November, and it’s beautiful color is the perfect representation of autumn. Citrine is a yellow to red-orange colored quartz that has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years, especially due to its durability and modest price tag. Citrine is known as the “success stone” and is said to radiate positive energy.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : Lynwood Brewery

 
Lynwood is one of our favorite spots to head for a craft beer. This award winning brewery has a wide selection of craft beer, with both year-round and seasonal specialties. Our favorite is the Bad Leroy English Brown, but we also recommend the porters (their current seasonal porter is the Big Papi). This place has a great atmosphere and is the perfect place to stop to try out a new brew.



 
 
PLACES TO EAT:
Wilson’s Eatery
 
royale

Last spring Lynnwood Brewing opened a restaurant, Wilson’s Eatery, at their taproom. We highly recommend the pulled pork nachos, pimento cheese on pork cracklins, and all of the flatbreads. As animal lovers, we are big fans of the fact Wilson’s donates 5% of their sales to local animal shelters.

  

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CMI-DigitalRemarketingAd-970×250-Diamonds-JUL2018

It’s finally fall in North Carolina! While we embrace this beautiful time of year, keep in mind that the holidays are just around the corner. If you or your loved ones like to shop a little early, it may be the perfect time to come into CMI to complete a wishlist. Our expert staff does not work on commission and will take the time to help you pick out your dream gifts. We will keep the list in our showroom, and when your loved ones stop in our staff will help them to find the pieces you have selected. Get what you really want this year, and make it simple!

While there are lots of looks to choose from, our staff makes it easy to find the perfect wedding bands. Your bands represent your love and commitment to one another, so visit CMI and have peace of mind that your rings will last as long as your love – a lifetime.
 

Opal

opal

October’s birthstone is the Opal – a stunning gem that comes in white or other light colors, but also shows vivid flashes of colors, including red, pink and bright green. Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity throughout the ages, and is also the accepted gemstone for the 14th year of marriage. Opal was a popular stone in the Middle Ages, with beliefs circulating that Opal could make its’ wearer invisible, help with poor eyesight, and banish evil spirits. Now, it is beloved for it’s stunning but gentle beauty. Care should be taken with Opals, and they should be protected from scratches, household chemicals, sharp blows, and extreme temperature changes.


Local Gems

PLACES TO GO : Whiskey Kitchen

 
Whiskey Kitchen is a quaint, centrally located spot that has outdoor dining and is dog friendly. You can find great events and specials on their website, but our favorite is their Flight Night which is every Wednesday, and offers 3 full shots of whiskey for just $10. While the libations are certainly a draw, you certainly won’t want to miss the food menu either. Our recommendations include the Fried Cauliflower, Pickle Jar, Mussels in Coconut Broth, or if you want to splurge, the Whole Fried Fish.


PLACES TO EAT: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
 
royale

Royale is a French-American bistro located downtown offering a full menu of French dishes and a full selection of drinks. They offer delicious weekly specials, such as bottomless Moules Frites night every Wednesday, which features hand-cut french fries and incredible mussels, and Beef Wellington Night every Saturday. They also have wonderful salads if you’re looking for something lighter.

Every Wednesday is bottomless Moules Frites (mussels and fries) night, which features hand-cut french fries, Saturday is Beef Wellington night. Also if you’d like to try something on the lighter side they also have great salads.