What You Should Know

Helpful guidance on jewelry materials, care, craftsmanship, and custom design.

Understanding Materials

Gold

Gold is measured in karats (K), with 24K being pure gold. Common jewelry karats include 18K (75% gold), 14K (58.3% gold), and 10K (41.7% gold).

Yellow gold is the traditional choice, while white gold is alloyed with metals like palladium or nickel and often plated with rhodium for a bright white finish.

Rose gold gets its pink hue from copper content and has grown in popularity for its warm, romantic appearance.

Platinum & Palladium

Platinum is a naturally white metal that’s extremely durable and hypoallergenic. It’s denser than gold and develops a patina over time that many find desirable.

Palladium is part of the platinum family and offers similar properties at a lower price point. It’s lighter than platinum and naturally white.

Both metals are excellent choices for people with sensitive skin and those seeking long-lasting jewelry.

Gemstones

Diamonds are graded using the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Each factor contributes to the stone’s overall appearance and value.

Colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds each have unique characteristics and care requirements.

Lab-grown diamonds and gemstones offer an ethical and often more affordable alternative to mined stones, with identical physical and chemical properties.

Jewelry Care

Proper care ensures your jewelry remains beautiful for generations.

  • Daily Wear

    Remove jewelry during activities that may expose it to chemicals, extreme temperatures, or physical impact. This includes household cleaning, swimming, exercising, and gardening.

  • Cleaning

    Most jewelry can be cleaned at home with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush to gently clean settings. Professional ultrasonic cleaning is available for deeper maintenance.

  • Storage

    Store jewelry pieces separately to prevent scratching. Use lined jewelry boxes, soft pouches, or anti-tarnish strips for silver pieces. Keep jewelry away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Question

Custom jewelry projects typically take 4-8 weeks from initial consultation to completion. The timeline depends on the complexity of the design, material sourcing, and current studio workload. We’ll provide a specific timeframe during your consultation.

Yes, we provide professional jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate, and personal valuation purposes. Each appraisal includes a detailed description of the piece, gemstone identification, metal analysis, and a current market valuation. Please contact us to schedule an appraisal appointment.

Ring resizing is one of our most common services. In most cases, rings can be sized up or down within a reasonable range without affecting the design or structural integrity. Some intricate designs or eternity bands may have limitations, but we’ll walk you through your options and find the best solution for your piece.

We recommend removing your ring during heavy manual work, cleaning, and exercise. Clean it at home with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush every few weeks. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. We also offer complimentary professional cleaning and inspection — we suggest bringing your ring in at least once a year to check the prongs and settings.

In most cases, yes. From broken chains and loose stones to bent prongs and worn settings, we handle a wide range of repairs in-house. We also specialize in restoring heirloom and antique pieces that require extra care and expertise. Bring your piece in for an evaluation, and we’ll let you know what’s possible.

Custom jewelry involves modifying or personalizing an existing design — choosing your stone, metal, or engraving to make it yours. Bespoke jewelry is built entirely from scratch based on your vision, with original sketches and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship from start to finish. Both are made in-house at our studio.