Mokume Gane FAQs
How do you pronounce mokume gane?
Moh-coo-may Gah-nay
What is mokume gane?
Mokume gane is an ancient Japanese technique that involves fusing alternating layers of precious metals. Mokume gane translates to “wood eye metal.” The patterns of the metal resemble the patterns seen in woodgrains. Click here to learn more about how we make our mokume. Continue reading…
Diamonds Demystified
Where to Start
It’s wonderful that there is so much information about diamonds out there! You can really dive in and learn all about them before you buy one, but all of that information can be a little overwhelming. I mean, where do you start? The answer is right here. Continue reading…
Colorado Aquamarine
U.S. Gems and Stones
We have been sourcing U.S. gems and stones for years. It really dates all the way back to when Chris went on a family vacation to a sapphire mine in Montana when he was about 13 years old. After a day of digging, and with a hand filled with sapphires, Chris was hooked. Continue reading…
Field Journal: Mining sapphires in Montana
On a family expedition years ago to the Diamond Bar sapphire mine outside of Helena, Montana, I got hooked on the treasure hunt of gem mining. It wasn’t limited to experts – anyone can do it – and even a 13-year-old beginner is guaranteed to find something. The tools are water and a shovel, wieldy for anyone from a teenager to a retiree. It’s an immediate adventure, a hands-on quest that both suits and feeds the independent spirit of the explorer.
Tiger’s Eye and Moonstone: June’s Alternative Birthstones
If you were lucky enough to be born in June, you have not one, but four gemstone options to commemorate your birthday. Perhaps it’s perfect that Geminis, the chameleons of the zodiac, have classic pearls, rare alexandrite, ethereal moonstones and bold tiger eye to choose from. Equally beautiful and unique, moonstone and tiger’s eye make very different visual statements.
Chrysoprase: The Other May Birthstone
When you think of May, a brilliant green gemstone might come to mind. Of course! The glorious and ostentatious emerald hogs the spotlight this time of year. But there’s an equally beautiful, lesser-known green stone sharing the month of May. Chrysoprase.
Meteorite
An Uncommon Material
Meteorite is not the most common material for jewelry so naturally we answer many questions and address many concerns about how meteorite should be worn and how it changes as it is worn.