Journal · 177 notes
Stones & grading
Written for buyers rather than for search engines: what a specification actually means, where an order usually goes wrong, and what to ask before you pay a deposit.
Stones & grading · Oct 2026
Heat-Treated vs Untreated Sapphires, Explained
Sapphires are commonly heat-treated. Learn what heat treatment does, why it is standard, and how untreated stones differ in price.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Nickel-Free Silver Alloys: Meeting EU REACH and Nickel Directive Rules
EU REACH Annex XVII limits nickel release to 0.5 ug/cm2/week for skin-contact jewelry. How nickel-free silver alloys are specified and tested.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Chrome Diopside: Intense Green at an Honest Price
Chrome diopside is one of the most saturated green gems you can buy. Learn its sources, its softness, and how we set it safely at the bench.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Underrated Color Gems for Engagement Rings Beyond Sapphire
An atelier walks through five underrated colored gemstones for engagement rings: tourmaline, morganite, spinel, aquamarine, and garnet.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Titanium Steel Jewelry Pros and Durability
Titanium steel jewelry: what it is, how it differs from pure titanium and sterling silver, hypoallergenic properties, scratch resistance, price, and care.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Lab Created Gemstones Types and Uses
Lab created gemstones: what they are, how they are grown, types from sapphire to emerald, how they compare to natural, price, ethics, and durability.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Gemstone Hardness Scale and Mohs Ranking
Gemstone hardness scale: the Mohs ranking from talc to diamond, why hardness matters, which gems suit daily wear rings, and how it differs from toughness.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Cubic Zirconia vs Moissanite
Cubic zirconia vs moissanite: compare hardness, brilliance, fire, weight, price, longevity, and how to tell them apart before you buy.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Jewelry Alloy vs Sterling Silver
Jewelry alloy vs sterling silver: compare composition, nickel, skin reaction, durability, tarnish, weight, price, and hallmarks before buying.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Rhodium Plating on Jewelry Explained
Rhodium plating on jewelry: what it is, how it is applied, why white gold needs it, how long it lasts, signs of wear, and cost of re-plating.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
18K Gold vs Platinum
18K gold vs platinum: compare purity, weight, color, durability, price, hypoallergenic properties, and maintenance to pick your ring metal.
Stones & grading · Sep 2026
Lab Grown Diamond vs Moissanite
Lab grown diamond vs moissanite: compare chemistry, brilliance, hardness, price per carat, certification, resale, and how to choose for an engagement ring.
