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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What Is Jade? The Stone That Is Actually Two Stones
Ever wonder why jade can mean two different minerals, or how to spot the dyed and bleached kind? I walk you through it all.
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Monogram Jewelry: Wearing Initials, Yours or Otherwise
Discover why a stranger's monogram might be the best feature of an antique piece, and how to read, buy and commission letters that carry real...
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What Is Rock Crystal? The Clear Stone With a Thousand Years of Work
Find out why rock crystal charmed courts and Nordic designers alike, how to tell her from glass, and why her clear calm still outshines diamonds...
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Jewelry Finishes Explained: Satin, Brushed, Florentine and the Rest
Ever wondered why some gold glows while other pieces flash or shimmer? Meet satin, brushed, florentine and their kin, and learn to read a finish...
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What Is Two-Tone Gold? When One Colour Isn't Enough
Discover how two-tone gold gets her colours honestly, from twisted tri-color bangles to bi-color chains, and learn the wear-point trick that tells solid gold from...
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What Metals Are Hypoallergenic? A Guide for Itchy Ears and Honest Budgets
Find out which metals actually love sensitive skin, why nickel is the real culprit, and how to shop hypoallergenic without paying a fortune.
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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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What Is a Brilliant Cut Diamond? The Cut That Conquered the World
Find out how a 1919 formula turned diamonds into light machines, and what she quietly gave up to sparkle so perfectly.
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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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How to Layer Necklaces Without Tangles or Chaos
Discover the three simple rules that let your necklaces layer beautifully together, no tangles, no chaos, just chains that finally know their place.
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Can You Shower With Gold Jewelry? The Honest Answer
Wondering if your gold can handle a hot shower? I'll show you what truly threatens her, from chlorine to sneaky drains, and what she shrugs...
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