Notes from the bench

Making & process · Sep 2026

How Gemstones Are Sourced and Selected for Jewelry

How jewelers source and select gemstones: mining, cutting, grading with certificates, treatments, matching stone to design, and how it determines a ring's value…

Making & process · Sep 2026

The Jewelry Design Consultation: What to Expect at Your First Meeting

What happens at a jewelry design consultation: bring references, be honest about budget, discuss metal and stone options, and leave with a clear plan and timeli…

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Caring for Oxidized Black Silver Jewelry

Oxidized silver darkens recesses by design, but polishing cream and tumbling strip it off. Clean oxidized jewelry without removing the dark finish.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Wedding Day Jewelry Care: What to Do Before, During, and After

Wedding day jewelry care: put jewelry on last after hairspray, check prongs the week before, wipe it at night, pack it safely, and insure the ring.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

How to Care for Opal Jewelry: Moisture, Heat, and Gentle Cleaning

How to care for opal jewelry: wipe gently, keep moisture and avoid heat, never soak or ultrasonic, store in humidity, and protect doublets and triplets.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Household Cleaners for Jewelry: What Is Safe and What Ruins It

Which household cleaners are safe for jewelry: dish soap works, toothpaste and baking soda scratch, bleach and vinegar corrode, and soft stones need only a damp…

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Platinum Jewelry Care: Cleaning and Maintenance for a Lifetime

How to clean and care for platinum jewelry: weekly wash, embrace the patina, check prongs, resize with a specialist, and understand PT950 stamps.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

How to Care for Enamel Jewelry: Cleaning and Chip Prevention

How to care for enamel jewelry: clean with a soft cloth, avoid chips and knocks, store separately, skip ultrasonic, and keep perfume and lotion away.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

How to Remove Scratches From Jewelry and Restore Shine

How to remove scratches from jewelry: home polishing cloths, what to leave to a jeweler, brushed finishes, silver care, and when to embrace the patina.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Eternity Ring Buying Guide: Full vs. Half Eternity Bands

Full, half or three-quarter eternity? Learn how diamond layout, resizing, durability and finger fit change before you buy an eternity ring.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Ring Prongs Explained: How to Check Tightness and Loose Stones

How ring prongs work, how to check them at home, when prongs need tightening, how pavé prongs wear, and how to protect stones from falling out.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

How to Clean and Care for Pearl Jewelry

How to clean and care for pearl jewelry: wipe after wearing, keep perfume away, re-thread the silk, store softly, and avoid ultrasonic and soaking.