The Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry Blog

Summer Jewelry Care: Can You Wear Jewelry in the Pool or at the Beach?

Summer has arrived, and there’s nothing quite like a perfect day by the pool—the sun shining brightly, the scent of sunscreen in the air, your favorite hat on, and an ice-cold drink in hand. Of course, no pool day is...

10 Questions Everyone Should Ask Before Buying Jewelry

Whether you're diving into your first jewelry purchase in search of the perfect engagement ring or you've been curating a collection of designer pieces for years, one thing’s certain—you’ve had questions along the way, and there are likely more still...

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....

All About Pearls: How to Choose the Best Type of Pearl for Your Jewelry

Pearls share a timeless quality with diamonds, making them a perennial favorite. Whether you have a classic strand to pair with a cocktail dress or a Tahitian pearl ring accented with colorful gemstones, pearls are versatile and never go out...

Synthetic vs. Imitation Gemstones: What You Should Know Before Buying

Gemstones can be a little intimidating because there’s so much to know about them. The world of colored gemstones is vast and continues to become larger as new stones are discovered (or grown in a lab). All types of jewelry...

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....

Cushion vs. Radiant Cut Diamonds: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

If you're hoping to get engaged soon, a glance at your Google search history likely reveals a trail of engagement ring searches. There’s probably a clear pattern reflecting the styles you prefer. You may find yourself taking a second glance...

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...

Karat vs. Carat: What's the Difference? (And Why You Need to Understand it Before Going Jewelry Shopping)

Shopping for jewelry can feel overwhelming—with endless options and prices that can be surprising. On top of that, the complex terminology can make the experience feel like trying to read a sign in a foreign language. The jewelry industry certainly...

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...