Testing
December 05, 2025
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Why the Magnet Test Fails: When Real Gold Clasps Have Steel Springs
Stop panicking. That little "click" you just heard when the magnet hit the clasp of your gold chain doesn&#…
December 05, 2025
hallmarks
December 04, 2025
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Ghost Marks: How to Read Worn-Down Hallmarks Using a Loupe and Lighting Angles
You know the feeling. You’re at an estate sale, or maybe looking through your grandmother's jewelry box, and you …
December 04, 2025
Repairs
December 03, 2025
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How to Untangle Gold Chains with Baby Powder (The Safe Way)
The panic is almost immediate. You are five minutes away from walking out the door for a dinner reservation or a morn…
December 03, 2025
Testing
December 02, 2025
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UV Light Detective: Identifying Uranium Glass and Fluorescent Diamonds at Home
Honestly, it’s wild to think about what we’re missing right in front of our faces. I’ll never forget the first time I …
December 02, 2025
hallmarks
December 01, 2025
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The Mystery of the "925" on Gold: Identifying Vermeil (Gold over Silver) Jewelry
You just bought—or perhaps inherited—a beautiful, heavy gold necklace. It shines like 14k gold. It looks like 14k gold.…
December 01, 2025
Repairs
November 18, 2025
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Reshaping a Bent Ring Band: How to Use a Wooden Mandrel (and Avoid Hammer Marks)
You know that sinking feeling. You look down at your hand after gripping a heavy door handle, or perhaps after an acc…
November 18, 2025
Testing
November 13, 2025
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THE CERAMIC STREAK TEST: THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE WAY TO DISTINGUISH GOLD FROM PYRITE
We’ve all been there. It’s a bummer that happens to pretty much every rockhound at least once. You’re just walking alon…
November 13, 2025
hallmarks
November 13, 2025
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GOLD FILLED VS. GOLD PLATED: DECODING THE "1/20 12K GF" STAMP ON VINTAGE CHAINS
You know that rush you get when you spot a heavy gold chain at an estate sale? It looks legit, feels solid, and just …
November 13, 2025
hallmarks
November 12, 2025
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How to Read Silver Hallmarks: A Guide to British Date Letters
You are holding a piece of history in your hand—perhaps a heavy Georgian spoon or a delicate Victorian vinaigrette—an…
November 12, 2025
Repairs
November 11, 2025
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Superglue vs. E6000 vs. Epoxy: The Expert Guide to Jewelry Glue
Ugh, is there anything worse? I looked down at my favorite ring today—you know, the one I tried to lazy-fix with supe…
November 11, 2025
Testing
November 10, 2025
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Bakelite Identification Guide: Hot Water Test vs. Simichrome Polish
Let’s be honest: there is a very specific, heart-sinking feeling that comes when you think you’ve found a rare Art De…
November 10, 2025
Repairs
November 06, 2025
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The Green Death: How to Remove Verdigris (Green Gunk) Without Dissolving Vintage Glue.
If you love hunting for vintage jewelry, you know exactly how much this hurts. You’re at an estate sale and you spot …
November 06, 2025
Testing
November 05, 2025
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Specific Gravity Test: How to Identify Gemstones with a Kitchen Scale
You’ve probably held a gemstone in your hand and wondered, "Is this actually real?" Maybe you bought a &quo…
November 05, 2025
hallmarks
November 04, 2025
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EPNS vs. Sterling Silver: How to Identify & Test Real Silver at Home
If you love thrifting as much as I do, you definitely know this struggle. You spot a dark, tarnished teapot hiding on …
November 04, 2025
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