Notes & stories
The School of Fine Jewelry
lessons in antique & vintage jewelry
Why Are Antique Rings So Small? Myth and Fact
Discover why so many antique rings run small, and learn the real mix of bodies, fashion, melting pots and resizing history behind those tiny sizes.
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What Is a Solitaire Ring? One Stone, the Whole Argument
I'll show you why one stone alone became the ring world's most enduring idea, and how to spot a truly good antique solitaire.
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What Is a Three Stone Ring? Past, Present and Future on One Finger
Discover what past, present and future really mean on a three stone ring, and why antique trilogies in old cuts still outshine anything new.
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How Tight Should a Ring Fit? The Feel of a Correct Fit
Learn what a correct ring fit truly feels like, how your knuckle and finger base can disagree, and how sizing beads quietly fix a ring...
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What Is a Promise Ring? A Very Old Idea With a New Name
Discover where promise rings truly began, what they mean today, and why an antique one says it best.
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What Is a Stacking Ring? The Art of Wearing Several at Once
Learn why slim antique bands make the best stacking rings, how to mix metals and eras without clashing, and the quarter-size trick that keeps a...
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What Is a Cluster Ring? Small Stones, Big Presence
Learn why a handful of small diamonds can outshine one big stone, and how to check an antique cluster ring's stones and settings before she...
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How to Get a Stuck Ring Off Without Damaging It (or You)
Learn why pulling only makes things worse, and discover the calm cold-raise-slick-twist trick that frees almost any stuck ring in minutes.
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What Is a Puzzle Ring? The Ring That Falls Apart on Purpose
Discover how a puzzle ring's separate bands lock into one, why she falls apart when you slip her off, and what to check before you...
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What Is a Claddagh Ring? Hands, Heart and Crown Explained
Discover what the hands, heart and crown truly mean, and learn the right way to wear a Claddagh so she tells your story correctly.
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What Is an Eternity Ring and When Is It Given?
I'll show you when an eternity ring is truly given, why she isn't the first ring of a love, and which style actually suits your...
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Which Hand Does a Wedding Ring Go On? Traditions Around the World
I'll show you where wedding rings go around the world, from Denmark's own lovely traditions to that old Roman myth about love and veins.
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