Notes from the bench

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Jewelry Care for Sensitive Skin: Avoiding Green Fingers

Why jewelry turns skin green or itchy, which metals are hypoallergenic, how to wear jewelry without irritation, and when to see a dermatologist.

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.

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

How to Clean Solid Gold Jewelry at Home Safely

How to clean solid gold jewelry at home: warm soapy water, soft brush, what not to use, stone care, white gold plating, and how often to clean.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

How to Compare Jewelry Quotes and Avoid Hidden Costs

How to compare jewelry quotes on equal terms: break out the stone, metal weight, setting, after-sales service, shipping, and spot the low-ball quote that keeps …

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Jewelry Certification Explained: GIA, IGI, and Gem Reports

Understand jewelry certification: what GIA, IGI and colored stone reports prove, how to read the 4Cs, verify inscriptions, and avoid grading scams.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

How to Choose a Wedding Band That Matches Your Engagement Ring

How to choose a wedding band that matches your engagement ring: flush fit, contoured bands, matching metal, width balance, and styles for solitaire and halo set…

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Colored Gemstone Buying Guide: How to Evaluate Color, Clarity, and Cut

How to buy colored gemstones: judge color first, understand clarity and cut, spot treatments, choose durable stones, and budget for ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Halo vs Solitaire Engagement Rings: Which Should You Choose?

Compare halo vs solitaire engagement rings on look, size, durability, cost, and daily wear, with tips on shapes, hands, and how to decide for your partner.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Men's Jewelry Buying Guide: Styles, Metals, and Fit

A practical men's jewelry buying guide: best metals for men, ring and chain styles, sizing, common mistakes, and how to build a collection that lasts.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Jewelry Hallmarks and Karat Stamps: How to Read Them

Decode jewelry hallmarks and karat stamps: what 14k, 18k, 750, 925 and PT950 mean, how to spot plated fakes, and how to read maker marks.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

How to Buy Jewelry Online: A Safe Buyer's Checklist

A safe buyer's checklist for buying jewelry online: verify the seller, stone certificates, metal stamps, return policy, payment security, and inspect your packa…

Making & process · Sep 2026

Jewelry Soldering: Common Joints, Solder Grades, and Risks Buyers Should Know

Hard soldering, solder grades (easy/medium/hard), and the three risks buyers should inspect: fire scale, weak joints, overheated stones.