The Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry Blog

What’s Normal Wear and Tear for Jewelry — and What’s Not

Jewelry isn’t meant to sit in a glass box; it’s meant to be worn. Whether it’s your engagement ring and wedding band, the chain and pendant you wear daily, or the diamond stud earrings you save for special occasions, your...

Alternative Birthstones for January to June: Unique Jewelry Ideas

When people think of birthstones, they often picture diamonds for April, emeralds for May, or sapphires for September. While these well-known gems are popular choices, they’re far from the only options available. The truth is that many months have multiple...

How to Care for Jewelry in Different Seasons

Much of our jewelry is deeply personal, with certain pieces we wear every day regardless of the season. Your engagement ring and wedding band, a bracelet passed down from a grandparent, or a necklace gifted at your college graduation are...

Which Jewelry Should You Travel With on Vacation—and Which to Leave at Home?

It’s only natural to want to look and feel your best while traveling—especially on vacation, when you’re exploring new places and making lasting memories. Travel often comes with plenty of photos to share with family or post online, which might...

What Are the Best Gemstone Colors for Fall Jewelry?

Autumn is a beautiful time of year when the weather starts to cool off and the world seems to change color. The leaves change from greens to reds, oranges, and browns. Sunsets come earlier, and warm cider gets poured. Pumpkins...

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...

Opal vs. Moonstone: Which Glowing Gemstone Is Right for You?

Diamonds sparkle and sometimes even glow (with fluorescence under UV light), but diamonds aren't the only glowing gemstone. Two of the most popular glowing gemstones are opal and moonstone. While they both have a cosmic quality about them, they are...

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...

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...

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...