Geometric designs were huge at this year’s JCK Las Vegas trade show. Some of the most dramatic examples came in the form of open concept rings, with their slender metal settings, modern construction, and unique shapes.
“We absolute love the look created by open concept settings,” says Kristin Carter, Merchandising Manager at Moissanite.com. “These styles are dramatic yet elegant. They have an airy, ethereal feel that’s very appealing.”
Just a few of the
The nomenclature surrounding the parts of a gemstone can be quite confusing! There’s talk of tables, but none of chairs, and of girdles, but nothing about corsets. And what the heck is a culet?
Let’s break down the anatomy of the average gemstone and answer those pesky terminology questions.
Below is a diagram of the “crown” of a gemstone. And no, it doesn’t have a crown because it’s a royal stone – the crown is simply what gemologists call the top part of the stone.
A bird’s-eye view of the top of a gemstone
The table of a stone is the flat facet at the center of the crown. Facets are the flat, cut surfaces of the stone, and can va
If you’re in the market for a new piece of jewelry, you might be considering the various pros and cons of different kinds of metal. Which are most expensive? Which are the most scratch resistant? This guide will walk you through some of the key properties of the most common metals used in jewelry so you can choose the best one for your needs.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most “traditional” metal for engagement rings and wedding bands. Its warm color and association with wealth and beauty make it an ever-popular choice for couples. The yellow gold used in jewelry is actually a mix, or alloy, of pure gold and another metal (usually zinc or copper). The higher the purity, the higher the karat amount. For example, 14k yellow gold is 58.3% pure gold, while 18k gold is 75% pure.
We recently spoke with New Zealand jeweler Debra Fallowfield, one of moissanite’s biggest aficionados and arguably New Zealand’s most well-loved contemporary fine jeweler. Her work has been described by many as “urban icons” or talismans for a modern age. Known both locally and internationally for her unique, bold, and distinctive designs, she has garnered a large and very loyal clientele. Each piece of jewelry is entirely crafted by Debra herself from start to finish, using age old traditions such as forging, wax carving, piercing, soldering, and fusing techniques. This makes her jewelry as unique as a fingerprint.
Below, she tells us about her first experience with moissanite, and why she’s still in love with this gem.
I clearly remember the first time I ever laid eyes on a moissanite gemstone.
An old school friend came blazing into the gallery one day, grinn
Not sure if that ring you have is Art Nouveau- or Art Deco-inspired? Wondering about the difference between Victorian and Edwardian jewelry? Never fear! This overview will give you all the basics on the different style eras in jewelry history.
Georgian (1714-1837)
The Georgian Era was named for the four King Georges (George I – George IV) who ruled England from the 1710s to the 1830s. As you might expect, jewelry from this era, especially pieces in good condition, are quite rare.
Georgian cameo di
