Notes from the bench

Care & after-sales · Sep 2026

Hand Sanitizer & Soap: Are They Harming Your Rings?

Frequent handwashing and alcohol sanitizer can cloud gemstones and dry out gold. Here's what to protect, how often, and what to do at the sink.

Making & process · Sep 2026

Soldering Jump Ring Joins: Closed Rings That Do Not Open

Open jump rings are the top return on chain and bracelet lines. Our heat, solder grade and pickup technique for a closed joint that survives daily wear.

Making & process · Sep 2026

Pave vs Bead Setting: Which to Choose

Stone density per cm2, drill angle, and annual repair rates that separate micro-pave from classic bead setting on wholesale accent stones.

Stones & grading · Sep 2026

How Facet Angles Drive Brilliance: The Optics Explained Simply

An atelier explains cut angles, table percentages, and why a well-cut stone out-sparkles a larger poorly cut one, in plain language.

Making & process · Sep 2026

How Ring Resizing Works: Up-Sizing, Down-Sizing, and What We Do at the Bench

Resizing sounds simple. We walk through cutting the shank, adding or removing stock, soldering, and finishing — and when a ring can't be resized.

Buying guides · Sep 2026

Promise Ring Buying Guide: Meaning, Styles, and Budget

What a promise ring means, which finger to wear it on, styles from birthstones to solitaires, and how much to spend. A buyer's guide from a jeweler.

Stones & grading · Sep 2026

Morganite: The Blushing Pink Gemstone, Bench-Tested

Morganite's soft pink blush pairs beautifully with rose gold. Here is what we look for at the bench in color, durability, and daily care.

Making & process · Sep 2026

Quality Control Photos Before Shipment: What Every Buyer Should Receive

Macro photos of stones, stamps, inner shank, and surface finish are the cheapest QC layer in jewelry. The photo list we send every buyer.

Stones & grading · Sep 2026

Peridot Gemstone Guide: Properties, Color, and Jewelry Wear

Peridot is the August birthstone with a distinctive olive-green hue. Learn its properties, origins, value factors, and how to wear and care for it.

Making & process · Sep 2026

Checking Ring Shank Thickness in QC

Gauge placement, 1.8mm back-wall minimum, and head-to-shank junction checks that stop rings going out of round 6 months after delivery.

Stones & grading · Sep 2026

Kunzite: Beautiful Pink, but Not for the Reckless

Kunzite is the pink-to-violet spodumene collectors love — but it fades and cleaves. Here is the honest bench-side take.

Making & process · Sep 2026

Laser Welding at the Bench: What It Fixes (and What It Can't)

Laser welding joins jewelry with a pinpoint heat source, avoiding removed stones and discolored prongs. Learn how bench jewelers use it.