The Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry Blog

Fondly known as “The Golden State,” California is a unique and delightful part of America. The California-based band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers lovingly state, “It is the edge of the world and all of Western civilization.” As the state...

Objects have been endowed with meaning—since the beginning of time—through novels, paintings, and jewelry. Much like the green light in The Great Gatsby, a variety of symbolic meanings have been attributed to gemstones. Meanings vary slightly depending on the time period,...

Caring for Gemstone Jewelry Caring for jewelry is an overlooked art form. Gemstones are pieces of the earth that, through natural processes and human skill, have become wearable pieces of art. In order to preserve and nurture the art fastened...

Gemstones are like people—some are tougher than others. The hardness of a gemstone is determined by something called the Mohs scale, a scale which rates a gemstone on its hardness measured from 1 to 10, 1 being the softest a...

Popular culture is an interesting thing. While everyone participates in pop culture in one way or another, most would not openly embrace their geekery outside of certain socially specified realms, such as comic conventions or outings with friends. Not everyone...

From Mineral to Gemstone: The Making of Colored Gemstone Jewelry Owning colored gemstone jewelry is a beautiful gift. Gemstones create one-of-a-kind accessories because they are vibrant works of art created by our Earth. From humble beginnings as mere minerals, gemstones are equal...

Spring is a time of rebirth. The sun begins to reappear after months of hiding and the morning breeze no longer has an undercurrent of frosty wind. Trees regain their blossoms and the world begins to feel warmer and more...

History of the Amethyst Revered by the ancient Greeks as a talisman, Amethyst was thought to entice the highest purest aspirations of humankind when worn. Amethyst was believed to inspire courage, calm and contemplation. Symbolizing sincerity and sacred love, Amethyst...

Father’s Day Jewelry Gift Ideas Father’s Day is the time of year to celebrate the important men in your life. Whether you’re celebrating the father of your children or the man who raised you, you can show how much you...

Leaves have begun to slowly fall from the trees and the air is subtly crisper. Fall has arrived, and with it a new season of weddings has begun. The fall wedding is a soft, warm, and beautiful affair. With the...

As summer comes to a close and fall weather approaches, slowly the leaves change from lush greens to an autumnal palate of reds, oranges, and yellows. Along with the shifting of the weather and the flora comes the ushering in...

Summer is well underway and in the world of fashion and jewelry that means one thing: fall fashion. Although it may be tempting to focus on summer living, the summer season is actually the best time to prepare for fall...