Notes & stories
The School of Fine Jewelry
lessons in antique & vintage jewelry
Why Buy Vintage Jewelry Instead of New? The Honest Arithmetic
Follow the honest arithmetic behind why vintage jewelry beats new on price, craftsmanship, and footprint, and learn exactly when new still wins.
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Hollow vs Solid Gold: What "Real Gold" Doesn't Tell You
Two chains can wear the same gold stamp and still tell very different stories. I will show you how to read the weight, not just...
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How Much Is My Gold Worth? The Honest Math
Curious what your gold jewelry is truly worth? I walk you through the honest math, so no buyer can outsmart you with a lowball offer.
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What Is a Cameo? How to Tell if Yours Is Real and Valuable
Learn how to spot a cameo's true material, judge her carving quality, and understand why her frame might be worth as much as she is.
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How to Tell if Pearls Are Real: The Tooth Test and What Comes After
Learn how the tooth test really works, why natural and cultured pearls are worlds apart in value, and how to keep an old strand glowing...
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How to Tell if a Diamond Is Real: Home Tests That Actually Work
Learn the honest home tests that reveal a real diamond, and the antique quirks that trick even careful eyes into doubting a genuine stone.
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Antique Diamonds vs Lab Grown: Which Should You Buy?
I'll show you why lab grown diamonds lose their value while antique stones hold theirs, so you can choose the one that truly suits your...
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How to Tell if Gold Is Real: The Tests That Work and the Ones That Do Not
Discover which simple checks, from marks to magnets to the feel of real weight, actually tell you if a piece is gold, and which ones...
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Is It Real Gold? How to Read Hallmarks on Antique Jewelry
Learn how to read hallmarks, spot gold-filled or plated pieces, and tell Swedish crowns from Danish towers so you never overpay for a piece she...
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Why Gold Jewelry Is A Great Investment
Discover why gold has held her value for thousands of years, and how she can protect your savings while looking beautiful around your neck or...
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