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Cloisonné vs Enamel Jewelry: What's the Difference?

Cloisonné is one kind of enamel, not another word for it. How to tell the two apart, where the technique comes from, and why we call our own pieces enamel.

Chinese Knot and Tassel Jewelry: The Symbolism, Simply Explained

In Chinese tradition a knot stands for connection, love and continuity, and the tassel beneath it for grace and movement. Here's what the Chinese knot and tassel mean, how to wear them so they look...

Osmanthus, Plum and Peony: Reading Flower Motifs in Eastern Jewelry

What osmanthus, plum blossom and peony mean in Chinese tradition, where the meanings come from, and how to wear a flower motif so it looks modern, not costume-like.

Ginkgo Leaf Jewelry: The Meaning Behind the Motif

What the ginkgo leaf means in jewelry — the botany, the East Asian tradition behind the motif, and how to wear ginkgo leaf earrings in solid S925 sterling silver.

Chinese Red Jewelry: What the Colour Means and How to Wear It

Chinese red jewelry explained: what the colour actually refers to, why our red is enamel rather than cinnabar, and four rules for wearing it without feeling costumed.

Is Cinnabar Jewelry Safe? What "Cinnabar" Actually Means

Cinnabar the mineral is mercury sulfide - not what modern red jewelry is made of. What the word actually means today, and what our red pieces are made of: enamel set into solid S925 sterling silver.

Meaningful Jewelry Gifts Under $100

Meaningful jewelry gifts under $100, chosen by symbol, stone and fit — in solid S925 sterling silver, with honest notes on materials and sizing.

Tiger's Eye, Cinnabar & Moonstone: The Meaning Behind Eastern Jewelry Stones

What tiger's eye, cinnabar red and moonstone actually mean in Eastern-inspired silver jewelry — the folklore, the facts, and how to wear them.

Freshwater vs Akoya Pearls: A Buyer's Guide

Freshwater pearls grow in mussels and are usually solid nacre; akoya pearls grow in saltwater oysters around a shell bead. Here is the honest difference in shine, shape, size and price - and which ...

From Palace Lanterns to Cinnabar: The Eastern Art Behind Modern Silver Jewelry

Chinese lantern earrings borrow the silhouette of the palace lantern, and "cinnabar" in modern jewelry names a deep vermilion red rather than a material. Here's what the motifs mean, what our piece...