Designing with Gemstones
Designing with stones is fun. It is literally like choosing bonbons in a sweet shop with the endless colours and combinations available and there are many different ways to approach it. A gemstone is the focal point of a piece of jewellery; it is the main event that...
How to use Silver Plating Solution
Whether you’re looking to smarten up some pre-existing jewellery or you want to expand your service offering – silver plating jewellery is a great place to start. There are a number of techniques you can use when learning how to silver plate jewellery, but we’ll start...
Designer of the Month – Trisha Wood
Jewellery maker Trisha Wood takes her inspiration from the sea in her creations, which contain tiny gems, crystals, enamel and resin in a stylish and contemporary style. Learn more about this month’s Designer of the Month below Let us know a bit about yourself,...
What is silver-plated jewellery?
Thinking of expanding your service offering? Or are you simply wondering “what is silver-plated jewellery?” and how it differs from sterling silver? Whether you’re looking to neaten up some old silver jewellery or are stuck between silver-plated and solid silver...
Designer of the Month – Niyanta Shah
Jewellery maker Niyanta Shah has self taught herself beadweaving and wire wrapping. She has also taken courses for jewellery design & drawing, as well as wedding jewellery and tiara making at The London Jewellery School. She loves making delicate and dainty...
The Aquamarine
Aquamarine is one of the main varieties of beryl, the same mineral of the precious emerald, and the birthstone of March. Highly appreciated for its spark and blue to blue-green hue, this gemstone was named after "aqua marinus" (marine water), due to its seawater...
Book Review: The Jeweller’s Bench Reference by Harold O’Connor
The Jeweler’s Bench Reference by Harold O’Connor contains useful information on jewellery making; including soldering, setting, plating and casting. Read on to see our review… This is something of an iconic book amongst jewellers, which is currently...
Friendship Bracelet Project Using Fimo Beads
Making your own beads is incredibly therapeutic, particularly when using Fimo, as the colours are instantly impactful and ready to go. Read on to see how to make these easy Friendship Bracelets in honour of World Friendship Day which is on 30th July this year. You...
What are semi-precious gemstones?
In the western world, diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire are the four gemstones deemed precious. The remaining gems are called semi-precious, but this title doesn't always reflect their value. The ornamental use of jewelry and gemstones is deeply rooted in the...
How to elevate your jewellery packaging
You’ve made your pieces of jewellery, but what’s next? The designs sell themselves, but the way you present your jewellery is also part of the overall charm – so choosing the right jewellery packaging is extremely important. And you can get creative...
About Me
Robert Connelly GG (GIA), GD, AGA, NAJA, ISA AM has examined and appraised several thousands of pieces of exquisite jewelry the world over since beginning his exploration of the jewelry industry in 1989 as an international wholesale buyer and seller in Brazil and United States. A Graduate Gemologist finishing with at the top of his class with a 97% rating from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA, he established AZ JEWELRY APPRAISERS in 2013 to serve a complete array of appraisal needs within the Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff areas following an educational global odyssey in gemology.
Recent Comments