Blog

(Reprinted with permission from the American Gem Society June 2022) Why not surprise dad with something different for Father’s Day this year? Instead of the usual tie or gift card, jewelry—such as a Father’s Day bracelet or necklace—can be a special keepsake. There...

What's in your jewelry box? Just like a fine piece of furniture receives stain to highlight the woods natural beauty, gemstones also receive treatments to make them more marketable. Treatments make gems more available and affordable to consumers. We are proud members...

The Basics What is your ring made of? You are convinced you purchased a genuine gold ring, so why is it turning your finger black? Even authentically gold rings can do this to the best of us. Let’s start by understanding what rings are made of. Gold is measured using...

Consumers have a couple options now for diamond jewelry, either natural diamonds or diamonds grown in a laboratory.  Both are real diamonds.  They both have the same optical, physical, and chemical properties.  The only difference is where and how they...

Aquamarine’s Name    Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the gem of the 19th wedding anniversary.  The name is derived from two Latin words: aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.”  Can you picture a sunny and warm day...

7 Pearl Values Guide to Purchasing How a pearl is created Pearls, whether natural or cultured, are made inside a mollusk.  Mollusks can be oyster or mussels and must be the type that builds a mother-of-pearl lining on the inside of the shell.  If they can...

1 in 20 Jewelers Did you know that only 1 in 20 jewelers strive to the higher standards it takes to become an American Gem Society store? Here in Oregon, there are only 8 jewelers within a 100-mile radius of Corvallis. Next to Olufson Designs, the closest is in Eugene...

Many of us don’t worry about jewelry insurance until something bad happens. The recent, and continuing, forest fires on the west coast really hit home for many of us this year. The fact is, we are not out of the woods yet (pun intended) and have another month of fire...

Cleaning jewelry cannot be done without some fore thought.  This "How To" video demonstrates how to clean most jewelry at home without an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer.  You will need water, small covered container, dish soap, ammonia, old toothbrush, and a couple...