The Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry Blog

Art Deco vs. Art Nouveau Jewelry: Which Antique Style is Best?

What exactly qualifies a piece of jewelry as “antique”? Generally speaking, jewelry must be at least 100 years old to earn the title of “antique.” It’s easy to confuse the terms “antique” and “vintage,” but they’re not quite the same....

Best Jewelry Gift Ideas for Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Major Milestones

Everyone knows there’s one milestone in life that almost always comes with the gift of jewelry: your engagement. But an engagement ring isn’t the only occasion worthy of such a meaningful gift. There are many ways to celebrate an important...

The 5 Most Popular Features in Custom Engagement Rings

While there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a piece of jewelry directly out of the case at a jewelry store, more people are opting for custom ring designs these days. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or...

What Are the Best Alternative Metals for Men’s Wedding Bands?

There was a time when men’s wedding bands were limited to plain, straight gold bands—with little to no variety in style or material. But those days are gone. Today’s groom has many options, and that’s a good thing. If traditional...

Emerald vs. Green Tourmaline: Which One Should You Choose?

When you think of colored gemstones, three likely come to mind first: ruby, sapphire, and emerald. These are the most popular and commonly used red, blue, and green gemstones in jewelry. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have other options....

Handmade vs. Machine-Made Jewelry: Which Should You Choose?

Shopping for jewelry can be an emotional journey, especially if it’s meant to commemorate a special occasion for someone you love. Even if you’re just treating yourself to something beautiful, jewelry can carry emotional significance and meaning well beyond what...

Custom vs. Ready-Made Jewelry: Which One Is the Better Choice?

Buying jewelry isn’t just about style—it’s about meaning and memories. It can be deeply personal. Jewelry often symbolizes some of life’s most meaningful moments. As a jewelry shopper you're likely to focus on how much you like a particular piece....

How Does the Jewelry Casting Process Work–and Why Is It Essential in Custom Jewelry?

Most jewelry shoppers don’t often think about the specifics of how their jewelry is made. In most cases, jewelry is purchased online or chosen from a display case at a local store. In such cases, your only worry might be...

What Optical Effects Do Different Gemstones Display: and What Causes Them?

If you’ve ever found yourself doing a double take at a moonstone or feeling drawn to opal jewelry, you might be a fan of colored gemstones with optical effects. In fact, there are more of these mesmerizing gems than you...

Round vs. Princess Shape Diamonds: Which is Right for You?

Choosing a diamond is a very personal decision, whether it’s for an engagement ring, a pendant, or diamond stud earrings. Not only is a diamond quite a financial investment, but it’s also an investment in yourself: your jewelry wardrobe, your...

Color Changing Gemstones: What Are They and Should You Consider Buying One?

When selecting or custom designing a new piece of jewelry, it can be daunting to decide on a gemstone for the focal point, especially if you are drawn to multiple different colors. You may be asking yourself if you should...

Color Changing Gemstones: What Are They and Should You Consider Buying One?

When selecting or custom designing a new piece of jewelry, it can be daunting to decide on a gemstone for the focal point, especially if you are drawn to multiple different colors. You may be asking yourself if you should...