The Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry Blog

Split Shank vs. Classic Shank Engagement Rings: What Is the Difference?

When most people picture an engagement ring, they probably picture a center stone sitting in a simple prong setting above a fairly simple band. That classic shank design has been around forever for a reason: it is clean, familiar, and...

From Drawing to Reality: Why Jewelry Design Drawings Don’t Always Work in Real Life

There’s something really satisfying about seeing a jewelry design come together on paper. A sketch can make an idea look effortless, balanced, and almost perfect. The lines are clean, the proportions seem just right, and you can look at it...

Hidden Halo vs. Traditional Halo Engagement Rings: Which Is Right for You?

If you’ve been shopping for an engagement ring, you’ve probably heard the word “halo” thrown around quite a bit. A halo setting is one of those classic jewelry designs that has been popular for years, and for good reason: surrounding...

What Do Inclusions in a Gemstone Actually Mean and Should You Avoid Them?

When you’re shopping for a gemstone, you’ll probably hear a lot about clarity. In diamonds, especially, we’re taught to look for stones that are as clean and free of imperfections as possible. So it’s easy to assume that the same...

Pearl vs. Mother of Pearl: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve spent any time shopping for jewelry, you’ve probably come across both pearls and mother of pearl. They can look surprisingly similar, especially when they have that soft, glowing, almost rainbow-like shine that makes pearl jewelry so appealing. But...

What Does a Jeweler Look for When Inspecting an Old or Vintage Ring?

There’s something different about an old ring. Maybe it belonged to your grandmother, maybe you found it tucked away in a jewelry box, or maybe you simply love the idea of wearing something that has already lived a life. Whatever...

Yellow Gold vs. Rose Gold: What Is the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing a gold color, most people immediately have a preference. Some people see yellow gold and think it's timeless, traditional, and classic. Others see rose gold and think warm, romantic, and a little more unexpected. Neither...

Hollow vs. Solid Jewelry: What Is the Difference and Does It Matter?

When you’re shopping for jewelry, you probably think about things like the metal, the gemstones, the design, and the price. One thing that may not cross your mind is whether the piece is actually solid all the way through. That...

What Smart Jewelry Buyers Should Know About Metal Quantity Before They Buy

When you look at a piece of jewelry, it's easy to think of the metal as simply the material the jewelry is made from. A gold ring is gold, a platinum ring is platinum, and that's about as far as...

Emerald Cut vs. Radiant Cut: Which Should You Choose for an Engagement Ring?

If you like the look of a long, rectangular diamond, you've probably come across both emerald cut and radiant cut diamonds. At first glance, the two can look pretty similar because they both can have an elongated shape, clean lines,...

Can a Jeweler Replicate an Existing Ring Design–and Should They?

If you’ve ever fallen in love with a ring you saw online, in a magazine, on Pinterest, or even on someone else’s hand, you’ve probably wondered whether a jeweler could make the same thing. The answer is a little more...

What Is Gemstone Symmetry and Why Does It Matter When Buying a Diamond (or Gemstone)?

When you’re shopping for a diamond or another gemstone, you’ll probably hear a lot about the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Those four characteristics are important, but there are also smaller details that can have a surprisingly big...