News, Tips, Tricks, & Musings

How Do I Keep My Chains From Getting Tangled?

How Do I Keep My Chains From Getting Tangled?

I’ve seen it a thousand times over the course of my career. While working at my bench completing some odd repair, the noise of the door would catc...

Why Are Gemstones Different Colors?

If I showed you a red stone and blue stone and asked you to tell me which was the ruby and which was the sapphire, could you do it? Both of those...

What’s the Birthstone for September?

A gem of royalty, wisdom, and protection, sapphire is the birthstone for September. Its beauty and value have made it one of the most cherished and...

What Happens If My Gemstone Breaks?

You know that feeling… You look down and the previously beautiful, sparkling gemstone in your favorite ring is broken! Maybe you whacked your hand...

Are Gemstones Glued Into Jewelry?

One of the most common misconceptions I’ve come across over two decades of doing jewelry repair is the assumption that stones are glued into jewel...

What’s the Difference Between a Necklace and a Pendant?

Two popular types of jewelry that frequently get confused are necklaces and pendants. You may be thinking to yourself, “Aren’t they the same thing?...

Best Boss Ever

If I told you that my best employee had a challenging month full of injuries, illness, and family loss, and that I’d given her a whole week to take...

What's the Birthstone for August?

If August was a color, it might be the bright yellow of the hot summer sun or the cool blue of the sky where it touches the horizon. But it might a...

What Happens When My Ring Gets Sized?

When it comes to your rings, the most important factor for both comfort and security is a good fit. Ideally, a ring should slide comfortably onto y...

Hotel Shampoo and Celebratory Jewelry

We’re all living in a “treat yourself” culture that encourages us to get ourselves a little treat for our accomplishments. Sometimes it’s the fanc...

What's a Jewelry Appraisal, and Why Do I Need One?

Jewelry appraisals are essential for understanding your jewelry and any value that may be associated with it, whether for insurance, resale, or jus...

What's The Birthstone For July?

July's birthstone is the ruby! Along with sapphire and emerald, it’s one of the prized “Big Three” jewelry gemstones that are highly sought after. ...

Why Does My Jewelry Tarnish and How Do I Fix It?

Tarnishing or discoloration of jewelry is a common issue, but it’s definitely something you can manage at home. And now that you know the causes of...