Jewelry 101

Birthstones by Month: A Complete Guide to Birthstone Colors, Meanings and Jewelry
Every month has a gemstone associated with it, each with its own color, history, and traditional meaning. From January's deep red garnet to September's brilliant blue sapphire, birthstones by month offer a personal way to connect jewelry with a birthday, a special memory, or someone you love. Whether you're curious about your own birthstone meaning or looking for a thoughtful birthday gift, knowing the story behind each gemstone can make choosing birthstone jewelry feel a little more meaningful. And with different colors and styles to explore, there's more to birthstones than simply matching... Read more...
How to Find Your Ring Size at Home: A Ring Size Chart and Measuring Guide
A ring can look perfect on your finger, but if it feels too tight by the end of the day or slips off every time you wash your hands, the fit just isn't right. The good news is that you don't always need to visit a jeweler to get a better idea of your size. With a few simple tools and the right measurements, you can learn how to measure ring size at home and find a comfortable fit before placing an order. Whether you're buying a ring for yourself or... Read more...
Brass vs. Sterling Silver: What's the Difference in Jewelry?
Brass and sterling silver are both widely used in jewelry, but their similarities often end at the surface. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, while sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. These differences affect their composition, care requirements, and overall cost, even when the finished pieces look similar. Neither material is automatically better for every piece of jewelry. Understanding how they differ can help you choose between brass jewelry and sterling silver jewelry based on your budget, style, and everyday needs. What Is... Read more...
Gold Plating Thickness Explained: Does It Matter?
When shopping for gold jewelry, you may come across terms like “microns,” “gold plating thickness,” or “durable finish” without knowing what they actually mean. While the color and style of a piece are often the first things you notice, the quality of the finish can also affect how jewelry looks and wears over time. Gold plating thickness is one factor that helps explain how much gold is applied to the surface of a piece. However, it is not the only thing that determines durability. The base metal, plating quality, everyday... Read more...
What Does D-VVS1 Mean in Moissanite? A Simple Guide to Quality Grades
You may have seen moissanite jewelry described with terms like ‘D color’ or ‘VVS1 clarity’ and wondered what those letters and numbers actually mean. These grades can look technical at first, but they are simply a way to describe some of the visual qualities people consider when choosing a gemstone. For moissanite, D-VVS1 usually refers to two characteristics: color and clarity. ‘D’ describes the stone's color grade, while ‘VVS1’ refers to its clarity. Together, these terms help explain how a stone may look in terms of brightness, transparency, and overall appearance. Understanding these details... Read more...
8 Facts About Moissanite Jewelry
Moissanite jewelry has a remarkable sparkle, so it is often compared with diamond jewelry. You may have heard that moissanite comes from a meteorite, sparkles more than a diamond, or passes a diamond tester. You may also have seen a grading card tucked into the jewelry box. There is a grain of truth in some of these claims, but the details matter. Here is what to know before you choose a piece for yourself. 1 Does moissanite really come from a meteorite? Moissanite is named after scientist Henri Moissan, and... Read more...
What Is 925 Sterling Silver? Meaning, Benefits, Tarnish & Care
You've probably seen '925' stamped inside a ring, near a necklace clasp, or on the back of a pair of earrings. However, it's not always obvious what that tiny number actually means. 925 sterling silver is made with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper, which gives it the strength to hold its shape through everyday wear. So when you see '925' on a piece, it's telling you about the metal underneath not just the finish you see on the outside. The balance is exactly why sterling silver shows... Read more...
What Are the Best Earrings for Sensitive Ears? Materials, Nickel & What to Look For
If your ears start to itch, feel sore, or turn red a few hours after putting on earrings, you’re far from alone. Sometimes the issue is the metal itself, especially nickel, but weight, rough posts, plating, and even skincare or moisture around the piercing can also play a part. The good news is that a few small details can make earrings much easier to wear comfortably.  A few details make a bigger difference than you might expect - What the metal is, what actually touches your skin, how heavy the... Read more...
What Does “Tarnish-Resistant” Jewelry Actually Mean?
You have probably seen jewelry described as “tarnish-resistant,” especially on pieces meant for everyday wear. It sounds straightforward, but the term can be a little misleading. Tarnish-resistant does not mean a piece will stay completely unchanged forever. It usually means the metal, plating, or finish is designed to slow down visible changes caused by air, moisture, skin contact, and everyday exposure. What matters is what sits behind the claim. The base metal, type of finish, plating thickness, daily wear habits, and whether the finished piece has been tested can all... Read more...