Resources

Expand your jewelry knowledge

Gemstones

  • Gemstone Intro

    Gemstones are formed over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface, making them unique treasures. Understanding their origins and characteristics can enhance your appreciation for these beautiful minerals.

  • Gemstone Types

    Gemstones fall into two main categories: precious and semi-precious. Precious stones like diamonds and sapphires are highly valued for their rarity, while semi-precious stones, such as amethyst and garnet, offer stunning beauty at more accessible prices.

  • Birthstones

    1. January: Garnet
    2. February: Amethyst
    3. March: Aquamarine
    4. April: Diamond
    5. May: Emerald
    6. June: Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
    7. July: Ruby
    8. August: Peridot or Spinel
    9. September: Sapphire
    10. October: Opal or Tourmaline
    11. November: Topaz or Citrine
    12. December: Turquoise, Zircon, or Tanzanite

  • Gemstone Care

    Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of your gemstones. Regular cleaning and storing them safely can prevent damage and keep them sparkling for years to come.

  • Fake vs. Real

    As the market for gemstones grows, so does the prevalence of imitations. Knowing how to differentiate between genuine gemstones and synthetic or treated stones is crucial for any collector or buyer.

  • Value Factors

    The value of a gemstone is determined by four main factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Understanding these aspects can help you make informed choices when purchasing or appraising gemstones.

Diamond Buying Guide

Understanding the 4Cs

The Four C's

  • Cut

    A diamond's cut enhances its brilliance; choose a well-cut one for impact.

  • Color

    Diamonds vary in color from colorless to yellow and brown; less color means higher value.

  • Clarity

    Clarity indicates inclusions and blemishes in a diamond; higher clarity means more value.

  • Carat

    Carat weight indicates a diamond's size; larger weights impress, but consider other Cs for quality.

Diamond Shapes

  • Round

  • Oval

  • Cushion

  • Pear

  • Princess

  • Marquise

  • Radiant

  • Heart

  • Emerald

Diamond Type

  • Natural

    Forged deep within the Earth over billions of years, natural diamonds are marvels of nature's artistry. These precious gems are formed under extreme heat and pressure, resulting in unique crystalline structures that capture light in mesmerizing ways. Each natural diamond is one-of-a-kind, bearing subtle imperfections and characteristics that tell the story of its ancient formation. Prized for their rarity, durability, and timeless beauty, natural diamonds have been symbols of love, commitment, and luxury for centuries. Their value is not just in their brilliance, but in their geological heritage and the complex journey from deep underground to a cherished piece of jewelry.

  • Lab Created

    Embodying cutting-edge technology, lab-created diamonds offer the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts. These gems are grown in controlled laboratory environments that replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form. The result is a diamond that is atomically identical to those mined from the Earth, but produced in a matter of weeks rather than millennia. Lab-created diamonds provide a more sustainable and ethical alternative, free from the environmental and social concerns sometimes associated with diamond mining. They offer the same sparkle and durability as natural diamonds, often at a more accessible price point, allowing more people to enjoy the beauty of diamond jewelry while aligning with modern values of sustainability and transparency.

Ring Sizing

Finding the perfect ring fit is essential for comfort and security. Here's what you need to know about ring sizing

  • Factors Affecting Ring Size

    • Time of day: Fingers tend to be larger in the evening
    • Temperature: Cold weather can cause fingers to shrink slightly
    • Weight fluctuations: Can change finger size over time
    • Knuckle size: May require sizing up if significantly larger than finger base

  • How a Ring Should Fit

    • Slide over your knuckle with slight resistance
    • Fit snugly at the base of your finger without leaving marks or bulging
    • Not spin freely or slide off when you move your hand

  • Ring Sizing Tips

    • Measure your finger multiple times for consistency
    • Consider the width of the band when sizing
    • If between sizes, opt for the larger size
    • Remember that different styles may fit differently

  • Professional Sizing

    • Use precise tools to measure your finger
    • Account for different band widths
    • Offer advice on seasonal fluctuations

Measuring Ring Size at Home

  • String Method

    • Wrap string around your finger
    • Mark where it overlaps
    • Measure the length and compare to a size chart

  • Printable Ring Sizer

    • Print a ring size guide
    • Follow instructions to determine your size

  • Existing Ring Method

    • Place a well-fitting ring on a size chart
    • Match the inner diameter to find your size

Stuller Catalog

Visit Anita's Stuller Catalog for a full inventory list

Anita's Stuller Catalog