The Journal · Topic
Buying Guides
How to buy antique and vintage jewelry without getting burned: what to ask, what to check, what the paperwork does and does not prove.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold vs Rose Gold: What's in Each, and Which to Choose
White gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold: what metals are in each alloy, rhodium plating and why white gold turns yellow,...
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Vintage Gold Charm and Link Bracelets: Link Types, Clasps and What to Look For
How to buy a vintage gold bracelet: curb, cable, rolo, Figaro, anchor and box links, clasps and safety chains, solid versus hollow...
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How to Tell If a Vintage Rolex Is Real: What Buyers Should Check
A detection-only checklist for buyers of vintage Rolex: serial and reference between the lugs, cyclops, dial and lume, caseback, crown and bracelet...
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What Is an Arthritic Shank? The Ring Band Designed Around a Knuckle
What an arthritic shank is, how hinged, adjustable and expanding shanks differ from sizing beads and ring guards, who needs one, how...
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Vintage Gold Watches for Women: Cartier, Rolex, Patek, Omega and the Jewelry Watch
The vintage gold watches for women worth looking for, from the Cartier Tank, Baignoire and Panthère to the gold Lady-Datejust, Golden Ellipse,...
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How to Tell If a Gemstone Is Real or Glass: Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds
How to tell if a ruby, sapphire or emerald is real, glass, synthetic or a doublet. The loupe signs that give imitations...
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Cufflinks Guide: Styles, Metals and How to Wear Them Without a Tuxedo
A dealer's cufflinks guide: swivel, bullet, chain and fixed-back fittings, which shirts take them, what the gold stamps mean, vintage makers worth...
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How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home (and When Not to Trust It)
The home ring-sizing methods that work, the ones that do not, and a US, UK and European ring size chart. Plus wide...
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How to Tell If Silver Is Real: 925, Sterling Marks and Simple Tests
How to tell if silver is real: what 925, Sterling and the lion passant mean, which marks such as EPNS and nickel...
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