The Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry Blog

When you’re shopping for a diamond, there’s a lot to think about. Cut, color, clarity, carat weight, shape, proportions, certification…the list can start to feel like you need a degree in gemology just to figure out what you’re looking at....

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,...

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...

Diamonds have earned a reputation for being nearly indestructible, and to a certain extent, that's true. They're the hardest natural material on Earth, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. But that doesn’t mean diamonds can’t chip...

If you've ever looked at a diamond grading report, you've probably come across some pretty strange terminology. Feathers, clouds, needles, crystals, pinpoints… if you didn't know better, you might assume you're looking at a list of serious flaws. The names...

In the first part of this series, we explored how a rough diamond is studied, mapped, and planned long before any cutting begins. That stage is where the future of the diamond is essentially decided, from its final shape to...

When people imagine diamond cutting, they usually picture a sparkling stone being carefully shaped on a wheel, slowly transforming from a dull rough crystal into something that catches light beautifully. What most people don’t realize is that the most important...

When it comes to buying a diamond, size is often the focus. We’re taught that “bigger” equals “better,” and carat weight usually becomes the deciding factor, especially when budget and bragging rights come into play. But here’s the truth: a...

Jewelry trends were once defined by the high-fashion world, driven by runway shows, celebrity red carpets, and magazine spreads. Today, however, jewelry design and shopping trends move so quickly that it’s almost impossible to keep up–especially because everything is digital....

Choosing an engagement ring is a special milestone in any relationship. A couple's ring holds deep meaning and often becomes a cherished heirloom passed down for generations. When selecting the perfect ring, the center stone is often the star of...

Shopping for jewelry can sometimes feel overwhelming, and not just because of the endless sparkle, but also because of the misconceptions that surround it. From gemstone symbolism to uncertainty about what truly qualifies as gold (and everything in between), it’s...

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...