This past summer I was contacted by the Editor of Belle Armoire Jewelry and asked to write an article about casting from nature. Specifically, how to make coiled twig rings. What a thrill to see it in print! Bell Armoire is published by Stampington Publications who are known for fine magazines on crafting. FLORA REFASHIONED by Barbara [...]
Category Archives: Informational
What are champagne diamonds? Or, how to make lemonade with carbon….
November 29, 2012 – 8:56 pm
The term champagne diamond is used to describe untreated diamonds that are yellowish brown in shade. Intensity can vary from soft yellow to deep brown. Once, not so long ago these diamonds were regarded as inferior industrial grade stones and they were sold to machinery manufacturers to be used for making drill bits, files and [...]
How Gemstones Are Cut
September 13, 2012 – 10:35 pm
Here’s to all the gem cutters out there! They know how to bring out the best characteristics inherent in a stone and fool us into believing they had nothing to do with the gem’s beauty. This 5 minute video by master stone cutter shows how it’s done. John Dyer. Bring on the sparkle! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJPxVwe4Zlw&feature=player_embedded
Caring For Your Jewelry
June 12, 2012 – 10:42 am
Fine jewelry is often an investment which should be worn and enjoyed. Proper care will ensure that your treasures will last longer than a lifetime. Here are some general guidelines for basic care to keep your valuables looking brand new and the stones secure. If, for any reason, you are uncertain about a [...]
By Barbara Polinsky
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Also posted in Tutorial
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Tagged cleaning, gold, jewelry care, pearls, settings
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What to Know About Insuring Your Jewelry
May 23, 2012 – 4:45 pm
Today I’m pleased to introduce insurance experts Brian Boak and David J. Singer who have written this guest post to answer your questions about how jewelry insurance works. Thank you Brian and David. Insuring Your Jewelry by Brian Boak and David J. Singer A very common question that insurance brokers hear is, “Why [...]
By Barbara Polinsky
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Also posted in Guest Post
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Tagged blanket coverage, brian boak, david j. singer, deductable, guest post, jewelry appraisal, jewelry insurance, scheduled coverage, singer nelson charlmers
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Surface Finishes on Metal – Will that be polished or satin?
May 16, 2012 – 11:49 am
A finish is a treatment on the exterior of jewelry which gives the piece a subtle flavor and enhances the appearance of the design. It is usually one of the final steps in completing a piece and has no bearing on the overall construction of the piece. There are different types of finishes such as [...]
By Barbara Polinsky
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Tagged faq, matte, patina, polished, satin, shiny, surface finish on metal, surface treatment
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Diamonds 101
May 2, 2012 – 2:35 am
Every diamond is as unique as the individual that wears it and weighing the pros and cons of a particular stone can be confusing. Here’s a quick overview of the 4C’s CUT - The most identifiable of the four C’s and the only grade that humans actually play a role in influencing. The cut of a [...]
By Barbara Polinsky
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Tagged 4c's, carat, certification, certs, clarity, color, cut, diamonds, gemological institute of america, gia, value
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White Gold – Isn’t that an oxymoron?
February 26, 2012 – 9:01 pm
Yes, in fact it is. The use of white gold was first embraced after World War I as an alternative to the more expensive platinum. There truly is no such thing as white gold since gold in its purest form is yellow. “White Gold” is achieved by alloying pure gold with at least one white [...]
About Carats, Karats and Carrots
January 30, 2012 – 9:07 pm
The correct use of the words karat and Carat can be confusing. Both derive from the word carob because carob seeds were used as counterweights on ancient balancing scales. Although other types of seeds were also used for measuring, the carob seed was preferred for its precision in weighing gold and gemstones because its mass [...]
By Barbara Polinsky
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Tagged carat, carrot, diamond weight, gold content, karat, recipe
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What is a rose cut diamond?
November 14, 2009 – 3:37 pm
Rose cut stones were popular in Europe in the 1500′s and are enjoying renewed popularity today. The most notable feature of this cut is the stone’s flat, or near flat bottom. Picture a low gumdrop with facets cut into the top. The facets start from the center of the stone and spread outward, usually in [...]
By Barbara Polinsky
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Also posted in Diamonds
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Tagged cutting styles, diamonds, rose cut
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