The materials used in jewelry making have changed quite a bit over the years. To make jewelry more affordable and accessible, precious metals are combined with cheaper metals and alloys. In some cases, this practice makes the jewelry sturdier, but it can also cause contact dermatitis in many people. This irritating condition often makes people…
Tips for Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day
Romantic and flattering, jewelry is always a great gift idea for Valentine’s Day. However, choosing the perfect piece for your wife or girlfriend can be difficult, especially if you know little about jewelry to begin with. Here are some tips we’ve compiled to help you decide on the perfect piece of jewelry this Valentine’s Day:…
Understanding Gemstone Heat Treatment
You might be surprised to find out that the “flawless” gemstone you’ve just purchased has been treated in a lab with heat in order to enhance its color. While it might sound like a process that would cause your gemstone to diminish in value, heat treatment is actually a very common practice among gem traders…
A Guide to Diamond Shapes
When discussing diamonds, people usually use the 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat. The cut is often mistaken for the shape of the diamond, but in reality, cut refers to the way light is reflected throughout the stone. Shape, on the other hand, is quite literally the shape and appearance of the stone itself, although…
Jewelry Time Periods: A Timeline of Jewelry Styles and Trends
Every time period has its own unique styles and trends. However, for vintage jewelry, it can be hard for the average person to determine when a particular piece of jewelry was made, especially when many styles coexisted alongside one another. Edwardian, Victorian, Art Deco, Georgian…there are several design eras that your vintage jewelry could be…
How Are Colored Diamonds Formed?
Do you ever wonder how those gorgeous colored diamonds get their special hues? The process actually occurs naturally in the Earth, though some colored diamonds are so beautiful they look man-made. While traditional, colorless diamonds can be very expensive, rarer colored diamonds are even more valuable. Red and pink diamonds These diamonds are considered the…
How to Choose Your Wedding Jewelry
You’ve done it. You’ve finally found the perfect dress. But have you found the perfect jewelry? Finding a jewelry set to match your gown is crucial if you want to look your best at your wedding. The process, though, can get a bit overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you decide on the…
Non-Diamond Gemstones for Engagement Rings
If you’re getting ready to pop the question, but thinking twice about a diamond ring, we’re here to tell you that there are a number of great alternatives on the market that will make gorgeous and unique engagement rings. After all, everyone does diamonds on their ring finger—why not shake it up a bit? In…
A Guide to Picking the Right Engagement Ring
When you’re planning on asking someone to marry you, you want to make sure that everything is perfect, and this includes the ring. Finding the right engagement ring can be difficult, though; there’s not only a lot of pressure, but you may not be sure what your partner will or won’t like. Thankfully, we’ve put…
Tips for Organizing Your Jewelry Collection
Organizing your jewelry collection can seem like a big job; how do you manage to safely store your pieces without getting them all tangled or damaged? Here are a few tips to help you declutter and protect your jewelry collection: Sort through all of your jewelry The first thing you need to do is to…