News

All posts

Chinese red enamel earrings in sterling silver - the red is enamel set into S925, not cinnabar mineral

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.

akoya pearls

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 ...

Minimalist sterling silver and freshwater pearl earrings and necklace set, a minimalist jewelry gift for her

buying guide

Minimalist Jewelry Gifts for Her (That She'll Actually Wear)

How to choose a minimalist jewelry gift for her she'll actually wear every day: read what she already owns, know what to check in solid sterling silver, and pick the pieces that don't need her size.

A slim S925 sterling silver pearl pendant necklace resting at princess length on the collarbone — a reference point for this necklace length guide

buying guide

Necklace Length Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

A simple guide to standard necklace lengths, how to measure at home in two minutes, and how to match a length to your neckline and everyday style.

Nickel-free sterling silver turquoise stud earrings, a gentle choice for sensitive ears — Sterling Arc

buying guide

Best Sterling Silver Jewelry for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin or ears? Here's why solid, nickel-free S925 sterling silver is a smart hypoallergenic choice, what really causes reactions, and the best pieces to start with.

Solid S925 demi-fine sterling silver and pearl necklace — Sterling Arc

buying guide

Demi-Fine vs Fine Jewelry: What's the Difference?

Demi-fine jewelry is solid sterling silver and genuine natural stones at an accessible price; fine jewelry is solid gold and precious gems. An honest guide to the difference and which to choose.

Blog posts

Cloisonné vs enamel jewelry: Chinese Red Enamel geometric dangle earrings, glossy red enamel panels in square, oval, teardrop and round shapes, each set in a single vintage gold-tone sterling silver outline

buyer guide

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

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...

Chinese flower jewelry: the Sweet Osmanthus Pearl Necklace, a fine sterling silver chain with a small osmanthus blossom pendant set with a cultured freshwater pearl

Chinese jewelry meaning

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.