If you have ever looked at your jewelry, you have probably noticed numbers stamped near a clasp, inside of a ring, or the post of earrings. What do they mean? The National Stamping Act of 1906 required gold and silver jewelry to be stamped with the quality and makers mark on any jewelry sold in the United States, in order to protect consumers from deceptive practices.  The quality mark is what the metal is made out of and can come in a couple forms.  These rings would all be

Vintage and antique can sometimes be used interchangeably, and in some cases, they are.  But what does it really mean when it comes to your jewelry? Ring and picture from Ravensbury Antiques The difference between vintage and antique is that vintage refers to pieces 20 years to 99 years old, while antique, refers to pieces 100 years old and over. Vintage is relatively not too long ago and antique is a long time ago!  Some of the things I look for are: ·       Hand-made vs mac

Do you dislike your November birthstone because it is an ugly yellow color? You are not alone!  For years, department stores selling poorly made jewelry have advertised a very low quality of yellow Citrine (which is a completely different mineral from Topaz) as the birthstone for November.  I’d like to set the record straight for all November-borns, including my own Mom! Look how gorgeous that Topaz is!! *Picture & gemstone credit: @omigems Colors: Topaz is naturally found in

Even if you haven’t been to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. to see the Hope Diamond, you have likely heard of the Hope Diamond.  The Hope Diamond is a beautiful 45.52ct fancy dark grayish-blue diamond surrounded by exquisite diamonds in various shapes with a chain of marquise diamonds. The Hope Diamond’s historical records begins in the 17 th century…but is it cursed?  Let’s investigate!  Credits: Hope Diamond photo by Studio Kanji Ishii, Inc. / Smithsonian. Screen captur

Living in California, we tend to work out all year long.  While I am all about wearing your jewelry most places, there are some activities that can be harmful to you and your rings, like working out.  Here are some ways your rings will get damaged: ·       Metal Gouging: Lifting weights or handling metal work out equipment will scratch and gouge the bottoms of your rings. ·       Stone Setting and Breakage:  Hitting your ring against solid metal surfaces, like holding weights

Throughout history, jewelry has been an important part of culture, and it is quite evident in the ancient Egyptian era.  As a kid I was baffled by the amount of things the Pharaohs and kings had in their tombstones. As an adult, I understand why, based on their beliefs, but I am also fascinated by the role that jewelry, gemstones, and precious metals had.  Heart scarab amulet of Hatnefer, ca. 1492-1473 B.C. (picture via https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545146

When we think of the birthstone for October, most of us will say opal, which is true, but did you know there was an alternative?...

There is no other gemstone that displays flashes of reds, blues, greens, and yellows in a singular source.  That is why Opal has been...

I often get asked about the difference between platinum and white gold because they are both similar in color.  I could go on about the...

Jewelry-speak can make someone feel like an outsider if they don’t know the lingo.  One of the most confusing verbiage is when someone...

When clients ask me if a piece of jewelry is real or not, they are usually asking to see if the metal and gemstones are natural and not...

Did you know that Sapphire comes in every single color of the rainbow including black, brown, and gray? In fact, the gemstone we call...

In short, yes, you should have your jewelry appraised, but I want to explain it by starting at the beginning. What Is an Appraisal? An...

Insuring your jewelry is important, not only because of the monetary value, but also because of the sentimental value.  Loss and damage...

Most people think carat is the dimensional size of a diamond or gemstone, but carat is actually a unit of weight and not a measurement of...

Did you know that August had a new birthstone update? For so long, the apple green color of Peridot and the stripes of Sardonxy have been...

The saying is “a diamond is forever,” but that doesn’t mean your jewelry is indestructible!  Fine jewelry is a lot like a vehicle, in...

I get asked this question whenever one of my clients are considering a lab grown diamond for their engagement ring, and I have a few...

Dirt, oil, and lotions can dim the sparkle on our precious jewelry immensely, and making it into the jewelers to have it cleaned doesn’t...

As many of you may already know, I LOVE reading books! My mom is an avid book reader, so I think I picked that up from her. Here is a...