Journal
The Journal
Field notes from inside the antique and estate jewelry trade — what to look for, what to walk away from.
Old Money Jewelry: The Pieces That Look Inherited, Even When They're Not
Old money jewelry explained: the signet rings, pearls, gold chains, tank watches, diamond studs, antique engagement rings and cufflinks that look inherited,...
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Salt and Pepper Diamonds: The Imperfect Stone Everyone Wants
Salt and pepper diamonds explained: what the black and white inclusions are, why the stones are popular, rose cuts and hexagons, durability...
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How to Tell If David Yurman Jewelry Is Real
How to tell if David Yurman jewelry is real: the D.Y. and 925, 585 and 750 marks, what a genuine cable twist...
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Ruby Buying Guide: Pigeon's Blood, Origin, Heat and Glass-Filled Rubies
Ruby buying guide: what makes a ruby valuable, what pigeon's blood really means, origins from Myanmar to Mozambique, heated, flux-healed and glass-filled...
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Gold Chain Types: Mariner, Cuban, Figaro, Rope and Box — and How to Spot a Hollow One
Gold chain types explained: cable, curb, Cuban, mariner and the puffed Gucci link, Figaro, rope, box, wheat, snake and herringbone, which ones...
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Rose Gold, Red Gold and Russian Gold: Why Antique Gold Looks Pink
Why antique gold looks pink: how copper makes rose, pink and red gold, what 56 zolotnik and Soviet 583 mean, why rose...
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Claddagh Ring Meaning: Which Hand, Which Way, and Where It Came From
Claddagh ring meaning: what the hands, heart and crown stand for, which hand and which way to wear it, where the design...
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Diamond Color Scale D to Z: Why Warm Antique Diamonds Deserve a Second Look
Diamond color scale D to Z: the five GIA colour groups, how colour is graded against master stones, how setting metal and...
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How to Tell If Hermès Jewelry Is Real: Clic H, Kelly and Chaîne d'Ancre
How to tell if Hermès jewelry is real: fashion vs fine jewelry, the HERMES stamp and metal marks, Clic H enamel and...
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