Natural glass in jewellery: identity, appearance and care
Understand natural glass in jewellery, including obsidian and moldavite descriptions, imitation concerns and material-specific care questions.
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Notes on gemstones, silver and the pieces we live with.
More to read
Matching gemstone earrings: decide what should match
Compare gemstone earrings by face-up appearance, colour, dimensions and design priorities, with a clear brief for intentional variation.
Buying a loose gemstone for a setting: agree the fit first
Use a loose-gemstone setting checklist covering measurements, depth, condition, protection and approval before buying the stone.
Should a gemstone be recut? Questions before changing it
Consider gemstone recutting with a clear brief covering the desired change, weight and dimension trade-offs, sentimental value and setting fit.
Birthstone traditions: separate the list, the story and the gem
Choose birthstone jewellery by naming the tradition, understanding the story and checking the actual gemstone and intended use.
Pearl vocabulary: what does the name actually tell you?
Decode pearl names by separating natural or cultured growth, freshwater or saltwater type, shape, colour effects and seller-specific quality descriptions.
Gemstone species and varieties: understand the family names
Understand gemstone species, varieties and groups, then separate those family names from natural formation, treatment and individual quality.
Colour change and pleochroism: what changes when you view a gemstone?
Understand colour change and pleochroism, then ask for a fair viewing comparison before choosing a gemstone.
Fancy-colour and D–Z diamond reports: how to read the right document
Read natural fancy-colour and D–Z diamond reports with the right questions about colour, identity and report scope.
How to make a gemstone jewellery care card for a gift
Create a useful jewellery gift care card with verified materials, complete-piece instructions and a clear contact for questions.
Gemstone inclusions: what you can observe and what an expert must interpret
Understand gemstone inclusions, separate visible features from expert conclusions, and ask about appearance and durability.
Gemstone meanings and legends: enjoy the story without making health claims
Read gemstone meanings as cultural or personal associations, identify the source of a legend, and keep medical claims separate.
