Notes & stories
The School of Fine Jewelry
lessons in antique & vintage jewelry
What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry? Sterling Silver Explained
Learn what those tiny stamps on your silver truly mean, from sterling's 92.5% purity to spotting plate, patina, and the gold-colored 925 trick before you...
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How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home (US, UK and European Sizes)
I'll show you the easiest way to measure your ring size at home, using a ring that already fits, plus how to convert between US,...
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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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What Does a Snake Ring Mean? Serpent Symbolism in Antique Jewelry
I'll show you why every snake ring on my shelves tells the same old love story, from Victoria's own emerald serpent to the sculptural Italian...
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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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What Should You Do With Inherited Jewelry?
Learn what to do first when jewelry arrives from someone you loved, so grief never costs you her true value.
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14K vs 18K Gold: What Is the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
Find out what really separates 14K from 18K gold, and let me help you decide which one deserves a place on your hand every day.
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Can Antique Rings Be Resized? What Is Safe and What Is Not
Wondering if your grandmother's ring can finally fit your hand? I walk you through which antique rings resize beautifully, which need extra care, and which...
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What Is a Rose Cut Diamond?
Discover why rose cut diamonds glow instead of sparkle, how to spot a genuine antique one, and what makes them such a lovely, affordable way...
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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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Old European Cut vs Old Mine Cut: What Is the Difference?
Learn to spot a squarish, hand-cut old mine cut from its round, early-machine-made cousin, the old European cut, and see why the shape changes what...
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