Notes & stories
The School of Fine Jewelry
lessons in antique & vintage jewelry
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What Is Victorian Jewelry? A Guide to the Era
Come learn what makes a Victorian piece truly Victorian, from her three distinct eras to the secret meanings hidden in snakes, hearts, and hair lockets.
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Why Does Jewelry Turn Your Skin Green (and How Do You Stop It)?
Find out why a ring or bracelet sometimes leaves a green mark on your skin, what it really means about the metal, and the honest...
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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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What Is a Signet Ring and How Do You Wear One?
Learn where signets began as wax seals, which finger they truly belong on, and why an old monogram might be the best reason to buy...
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What Is Mourning Jewelry? Jet, Hair Work and Victorian Remembrance
Curious why the Victorians wore hair, jet and black enamel to grieve? I walk you through the materials, the meaning and how to spot the...
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What Is Art Deco Jewelry? How to Recognize the 1920s Style
Learn what makes a piece truly Art Deco, from her platinum settings and old European cuts to the hand finished back that gives her away,...
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Antique vs Vintage vs Estate Jewelry: What Is the Difference?
Ever wondered what truly separates antique, vintage, and estate jewelry? I'll show you the real definitions, the legal age lines, and how to spot honest...
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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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