Understanding a ring’s anatomy is critical when deciding on an engagement ring. And while most focus on the size and cut of the gem, let’s us not forget the power of the prong!

Different ring designs demand different numbers of prongs. As you might guess, less prongs means less of the gem is covered meaning more access to light and more sparkle.

Four prongs create more a clean, linear and often square look whereas six prongs tend to showcase a rounded shape of a gem more effectively. Too many prongs can overwhelm a smaller gem and too few prongs can leave to an unsafe setting for your ring (something you definitely don’t want!).

Want a less visible look to the prongs on your engagement ring? Consider using white metal which not only highlights the metal but makes the gem appear larger (something you definitely do want!).

Here are a few examples of smartly placed prongs:

We love the stackable ring trends…but we’ve seen it done incorrectly where the balance and symmetry isn’t quite right. So is there a “rule” to stacking rings?

First off, there’s no hard or fast rule to any fashion trend that can’t be adapted and changed. It’s important to take some chances and experiment for a while until you find a technique to creating a “finger party” that feels like a fit.

Here are a few pointers that you can try:

Mix metals. Don’t be afraid to mix metals when stacking. As a matter of fact, its the variety of shades and sizes that make for an inviting overall look.

Alternate power fingers. Go ahead and stack heavy on one finger…but go simple with the finger adjacent to it. (Commonly, the middle finger is a power finger.)

Don’t overdo. Coco Chanel once infamously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” The same applies with ring stacking. It’s fun to go overboard when you first start but dare to remove one unnecessary stacker before you finish.

Think balance. According to a recent Forbes article: “The one rule is balance, so pay attention to your fingers’ Feng Shui! I personally wear a stack of four or five similar thin rings on my first finger, a tall yet simple shape on my middle finger, and then a short stack of two different-sized rings on my ring finger. That way I have near-uniform ring-height across my hand but the total look isn’t overwhelming.” —Catherine Alexander, Founder and Designer of Stanmore.

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Emerald (as well as Asscher cuts) are a class of diamond cuts known as “step cuts.”

According to Wikipedia: Stones whose outlines are either square or rectangular and whose facets are rectilinear and arranged parallel to the girdle are known as step- or trap-cut stones.

Among diamond shapes, only 3% are emerald cut, making them a particularly unique and distinctive.

Some other perks to emerald cut gems?

Emerald cut rings makes the gem appear larger. Since more of the gem’s surface area is exposed (on average, an emerald cut has a 5% greater surface area than a 1 carat round cut diamond, for instance), the top surface of an emerald cut diamond appear larger.

Emerald cuts make fingers appear more slender. Because emerald cut diamonds are more elongated, they give the illusion of longer, more slender fingers.

Emerald cuts are more affordable. (Yes, we saved the best for last!) Since they are a more unusual cut than princess-cut or round cut gems, they’re also in less demand and more cost efficient.

If you’re interested in an emerald cut for your engagement ring, let us share with you our expertise in a variety of specialized gem cuts. Make your custom design as personal as your love!

Rose gold has surged in popularity in the last few years. And its no surprise to us. There’s a warmth invitation to its hue that’s unmistakable and eye-catching. When it comes to engagement rings, it color often evokes feelings of love and romance (as opposed to the cooler shades of platinum, for instance).

Other benefits of rose gold?

Rose gold is a durable metal, more so than yellow or white gold.

Rose gold is affordable.

Rose gold complements just about all skin tones.

Below, a rose gold oval engagement ring with a pave underbezel.

One of the few drawbacks of rose gold? It’s not hypoallergenic so wouldn’t be an ideal choice for those with skin sensitivities.

Padparadscha sapphires sound as wonderfully exotic as they look. Named after the color of a lotus blossom, the pinkish orange hue of these stones are mesmerizing and unique.

Let’s get the pronunciation out of the way (since its probably one of the most difficult gems to pronounce):

Pad-pah-raj-ah

The name is derived from the Sinhalese word for the Lotus blossom. The Sinhalese are the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka where most Padparadscha sapphires are found.

Padparadschas are among the rarest gems on the planet. They are a unique mix of pink and orange. To be named a Padparadscha, the gem should exhibit both colors.

Ready to experience its virtual glory? Watch in wonder:

There’s not a gem out there we don’t like. Like people, each one holds its own distinctive and brilliant qualities that make it shine.

Take Rose de France Quartz, a member of the Quartz gemstone family. It’s also known as lavender amethyst but possesses a much lighter in color (think lilac) than traditionally violet-hued amethyst. It can be heated to lighten color and/or to remove “smoky” components (like in the earrings below).

According to Wikipedia:

The pale lilac colors, coined Rose De France, were once considered undesirable but have recently become a popular fashion favorite.

Style 102016MS Sterling Silver Leverback Earrings With Oval Rose De France Quartz Sterling silver leverback earrings each featuring a 25x10mm genuine checkerboard Rose de France oval quartz.

We passed the test (well we better had, right?) But most importantly, we want our customers to know the maximum amount possible when it comes to diamond knowledge. Why? Because it assures a smarter purchase. The more you know, the happier you are with the end result.

What is a 60/60 type diamond? 

What should the diameter of a well-cut 1ct round diamond be?

What is a Golconda diamond?

What does it mean if a diamond is referred to as a reflector? 

What are the potential negative effects of strong/very strong fluorescence?

What is the ideal crown angle in a modern round brilliant diamond?

What is optical symmetry? 

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Take heed! Most of us are deeply ingrained with old wives tales when it comes to the healing of freshly pierced ears…and guess what?

We’re wrong.

That’s right. The whole hydrogen peroxide and/or rubbing alcohol combo? Not the way to go. And who would know better professional Berkeley-based body piercer Kerry?

Of the myriad of ways gems and jewelry has been used throughout history, many overlook a long line of painters who in a need to capture just the right shade of a color, actually ground gems and used them in their work.

Take the bold and vivacious blue from lapis, a gem with ancient, colorful roots. According to Forbes:

“…the stone was so revered that it went beyond the realm of jewelry. ‘I love that lapis was grounded into pigment to make paint, and that the most important masters of the Renaissance used it in their works,’ said Mish Tworkowski, the founder and designer of Mish New York.”

Cast your eyes on Pietro Perugino’s “Delivery of the Keys” (1482). An unmistakable shade of blue, wouldn’t you agree?

It’s amazing how the smallest detail of a piece of jewelry provides us with so much information. In this simple video, you’ll see how the catch on a brooch is used to identify the time period in which it was made. From the early 1800’s to the 195o’s, catches were popular for phases, just like any other jewelry trend (bet you didn’t know about the trombone catch!).