Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect diamond engagement ring or trying to evaluate antique diamond jewelry, there’s a lot to consider before making your decision. So many different factors go into grading and valuing diamonds, and it can all seem a bit overwhelming at first glance—but don’t worry! We’re here to make it easy. You may have heard of something called “The 4C’s,” which is a short-hand way of describing the four major qualities used to assess a diamond’s value: cut, color, clarity and carat-weight. In fact, you may have read our overview of this process here! But if you’re still wondering exactly how to make sense of…
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Treated Diamonds
When it comes to gemstones like emeralds and rubies, chemical and physical treatments are very common, but did you know that diamonds are sometimes treated too? If you’ve ever dabbled in the world of diamonds, you may have come across treated diamonds and wondered what was done to them. Today we’ll dive into exactly what these treatments are and how they can alter or improve a diamond’s clarity and color. Clarity Treatments There are two main types of clarity treatments commonly used today: laser drilling and fracture filling. Laser Drilling Almost all natural diamonds have dark spots and imperfections—known as inclusions—which can impact the stone’s overall appearance. The goal of…
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Natural vs. Synthetic vs. Simulant
When shopping for diamond or gemstone jewelry, simulants and synthetics are bound to catch your eye. These beautiful gems tend to cost a whole lot less than natural stones, yet they can look exactly the same! You might be wondering exactly what these stones are and how they differ from their natural counterparts. If so, you’re in luck! Today we dive into the differences between natural, synthetic and simulant gemstones so you can make the best choice for you! Natural A natural gemstone is just what it sounds like: it’s any gemstone that was formed by nature. Many gems—like diamonds and rubies—are formed by the earth itself, while others—like pearls…
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Watch Water Resistance – What does it really mean?
Watches have come a long way since they were first invented, and one of the most useful improvements is water resistance. After all, water is a vital part of life! However, not all water resistant watches are created equal, and it’s important to understand what your watch can safely handle. There Are No “Waterproof” Watches It cannot be stressed enough that no watch is truly “waterproof.” Even those made especially for deep sea scuba divers are “water resistant”—and that’s only if they are operated correctly and receive regular maintenance. That’s because no watch stays water resistant forever, and even a drop of water can wreak havoc on the inside of…
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Restore Your Watch with Expert Powder Coating
If you keep up with watchmaking trends, you’ve probably seen lots of awesome designs featuring colored metals. Black-coated stainless steel is probably the most popular and has quickly become a favorite for men’s watches, but lots of other hues are being used too! These coatings make it easier than ever to find a watch that suits your style, but did you know these colors don’t last forever? In fact, everyday friction can remove the coating, revealing the plain metal beneath. To make matters worse, scratches can’t be buffed away without also removing more coating! As more and more color is lost over time, you might take your watch in to…
