Five Frequently Asked Questions About Pearls
From ancient oceans to Edwardian necklines — what you've always wanted to know about the world's oldest gem.
Style Journal
Let's take a walk through time...
Discover the world of fine jewelry, the qualities that make them rare, their rich history, and what to look for when adding a piece of jewelry to your collection.
Ceylon Sapphires: A Collector's Guide to Sri Lanka's Brilliant Blue Gemstones
In the world of gemstones, few inspire as much admiration as the Ceylon sapphire. Known for their vivid blue color and exceptional clarity, these sapphires from the island nation of...
Jewelry Credentials Decoded: Why They Matter
When shopping for fine jewelry, it's common to come across a string of professional abbreviations (GIA, GG, DG, AJP, and so on) only to wonder, “What does that mean?”While they may...
Jewelry and Wedding Superstitions: Are Pearls Really Bad Luck for the Bride?
Pearl jewelry has always held a certain quiet elegance that is equal parts luminous, understated, and timeless. With their soft white lustre, it’s easy to see why they’re often associated...
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Emeralds
Emerald jewelry has captivated collectors for centuries, admired not only for its lush green hue but also for the sense of mystery and royalty it evokes. From Cleopatra’s obsession with...
The Distinctive Glamor and History of Glass in Jewelry
Glass? In fine jewelry? Glass may not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of fine jewelry, but it has played a surprisingly glamorous and important...
Five Frequently Asked Questions About Opals
From Ancient Rome to modern day, many have believed that opals are magical (both literally and figuratively). Opals have long captivated jewelry lovers with their vibrant play of colors, making...
Black Prince's Ruby: A Gem that Changed History
Portrait of Queen Victoria in her coronation robes by George Hayter, between circa 1838 and circa 1840 | Source: Wikimedia Commons When we think of the grand jewels that fill...
Modern Diamond & Gemstone Cuts Explained
Retro, Vintage, and Modern diamond and gemstone cuts, emerging after the turn of the century, illustrate a transformative period in the art of jewelry making—one shaped by technological innovation and...
Onyx, Sardonyx, and the Chalcedony Family
When you think of gemstones, the ones that likely come to mind are the sparkly, well-known crowd-pleasers like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires... But let's take a moment to dive into...
Five Frequently Asked Questions About Sapphires
For centuries, sapphires have adorned the crowns of royalty and captivated jewelry collectors with their deep, mesmerizing blue hues. Antique and vintage jewelry carries a rich legacy, from the regal...
Top 5 FAQs About Rubies
Endlessly versatile, boldly radiant, and long believed to be symbolic of passion, protection, and prosperity, rubies remain a coveted gem whose popularity goes well beyond its reputation as July's birthstone....
Reverse Crystal Intaglio
Imagine a miniature painting, but instead of being on canvas, it's delicately etched and painted onto the back of a crystal. This technique creates an illusion of depth and dimension,...
The Truth About Zircon and Cubic Zirconia
Here's a sparkly topic that's been causing quite a bit of confusion in the world of gems: the distinction between zircon and cubic zirconia. Now, don't fret if you've been...
All About Pearls: A Most Popular & Peculiar "Stone"
Natural or cultured, classic white or colored, baroque and imperfect or round and refined... With a rich history dating back many thousands of years, pearls have been one of the...