The Ralph Jacobs journal
Plain-English guides to how jewellery is made, chosen and cared for. Start with a subject, or browse the latest articles below.
Start with a subject
Why a light-coloured sapphire needs a closer look Why does colour matter so much when you choose a pale sapphire? Colour has the greatest influence on a sapphire’s value, and ‘too light’ is among the traits of less valuable blue…
Why knowing what slows a custom ring helps you plan You may have a date in mind: a proposal, a wedding or a birthday.…
Why diamond treatments matter before you buy Why should you care whether a diamond has been treated? A treatment can change how a diamond…
Why your thin-band size may not carry over Why would a ring in your usual size feel tight? You may know your size well…
Why a hidden halo engagement ring is easy to confuse with a halo Why is it so hard to tell a hidden halo from…
Why laboratory-grown diamond resale value matters before you buy You may be drawn to a laboratory-grown diamond, then hear that it is worth little…
Why does a protective setting for soft gemstones matter so much? If you love a gemstone that’s softer than diamond, you may worry it…
Why moissanite durability matters for a ring you wear every day Why ask about durability before anything else? If you plan to wear a…
Why your diamond report lists these numbers Why would a laboratory measure your diamond so precisely? Because sparkle depends on where light goes after…
Why a dark band in your oval diamond may not be a flaw You’ve found an oval diamond you like, but there’s a dark…
