Setting stones for beginners

Setting stones is not easy and it requires practice and patience. Start with a prong setting, often referred to as a claw setting, and use hard stones like quartz or jasper… they are less prone to break when you make a mistake. Prongs are nothing more than thin, tiny strips of metal that extend upward from the band creating a sort of cone able to hold the stone. Once the stone sits well on the prong, bend the ends of the prongs inwards to hold the gem securely in place. Try, and try again!

The stone on this “ramarro granato” necklace was set using a prong.

Five easy jewelry tips for everyday

1. CREATE LAYERS WITH YOUR JEWELRY
Remember to choose your pieces carefully to create an elegant look

2. MAKE A STATEMENT

Yes, be bold but wear only one (handmade) statement piece at a time so you don’t over-due it

3. MIX AND MATCH

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different metals: silver, gold, bronze, and more can be worn together

4. COMPLEMENT YOUR OUTFIT

Always remember to “match” your outfit; be stylish

5. DON’T FOLLOW TRENDS

Avoid following trends by creating your own unique style with handcrafted pieces

Model and singer Tomi Townsend wearing maddalenabearzi handcrafted jewelry

5 tips for storing your jewelry

Do you ever wonder about the best way to keep your jewelry shiny and ready to use? Here are five simple tips:

1. keep jewelry in a drawer/box and in individual bags/tissues to prevent oxidation and scratches
2. keep pieces bone dry with a desiccant packet
3. do not store jewelry in the bathroom, as moisture negatively affects it over time
4. fasten your necklaces/bracelets when storing to prevent them from getting tangled or knotted
5. you can leave some of your regular pieces out (they won't oxidize if you wear them daily)
Our new handcrafted jewelry dish is perfect to have your rings ready-to-go, and in full view!

Do you like to learn more about storing and take care of your jewelry? Read here

This signature dish is handcrafted in brass and silver and available in our online shop

Five easy tips to spot fake jewelry

Our guest writer Jessica Kane tell us how to recognize fake jewelry.

GOLD
Many times buyers figure out later that their gold purchase was not authentic. According to American standards, any gold that it's less than 10 karats is considered to be fake.

Check for official markings and discoloration
Somewhere on the jewelry, there will be a stamp that indicates the fineness (1-999) or karat (14k). The stamp may be rather small so utilizing a magnifying glass will be helpful. Remember, if the piece is old, the mark could be worn off. If the piece of jewelry was worn for long periods, parts of the gold could be discolored. Look for a different metal underneath; this means the piece is probably gold plated.

Magnet test
Although this test is not foolproof, it can be used in determining whether the gold is real. In order to perform the test, the magnet needs to be strong. Hardware stores will sell them.
To complete this test, simply hold the magnet to the piece of jewelry. If the piece is pulled towards the magnet, then it's fake. Gold isn't magnetic. The reason this test isn't foolproof is because counterfeiters can use non-magnetic metals.

DIAMONDS
Look for imperfections
Diamonds are a natural stone and there will always be imperfections in the carbon. A factory made stone will be perfect. Don't throw away the perfect stones though! They could be lab-grown stones that are still worth money.
While looking through a magnifying glass, determine if the diamond edges are sharp or rounded. Real stones will be sharp and the fake stones will be rounded.

Look at the mounting and etchings
If possible, try to determine what metal the diamond is mounted on. A real diamond will rarely be mounted on silver or gold-plated metal. Real diamond are typically mounted on gold or platinum.

Rub against sandpaper
This is an easy test to perform. Diamonds are one of the hardest materials and will rarely be scratched by an object. Rub sandpaper against the stone in question. A Diamond will remain the same and not the affected.

Jessica Kane is a professional writer who has an interest in arts and crafts, DIY, and other handmade products. Jessica currently writes for Indian Traders, a leading vendor of native American blankets and jewelry.

in this image Maddalena Bearzi handmade "onda" ring clearly shows the stamp for fine silver (S999). At times, silver can still be real even without a stamp. Use the magnet test to check it.