Jewelry & Metal Education

Lapis lazuli earrings showing gold-filled ball studs, straight posts and butterfly backings.
Earring Styles & Backings
A closer look at studs and their backings, chain threaders, hoops and French earwires, illustrated with pieces from my jewelry collection. Read more...
Sky blue topaz circle necklace in sterling silver, with a faceted blue stone inside a silver circle on pale stone and linen.
Jewelry Care & Materials
Explore my jewelry materials, earring styles, and guidance for cleaning and storing gemstone and pearl jewelry. Read more...
Rose Quartz Necklace in Gold Filled, with a faceted pink rose quartz pendant on pale stone.
Gold-Filled Jewelry: What It Is, How It Compares & Why It Can Tarnish
Gold-filled jewelry uses an outer layer of gold alloy mechanically bonded to a supporting metal core. The name sounds as though gold sits inside the piece, but the useful gold... Read more...
Sky blue topaz circle necklace in sterling silver, with a faceted blue stone inside a silver circle on pale stone and linen.
Sterling Silver Jewelry: What 925 Means, Tarnish & Everyday Care
Sterling silver is a silver alloy containing at least 92.5% silver. The familiar 925 mark refers to that proportion. The remaining metal is commonly largely copper, though specific alloys can... Read more...