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Jewelry Guides
Research-backed articles on metals, gemstones, diamonds, and the craft behind your jewelry — written by GIA Graduate Jeweler Sara Lundquist.
6 min read
Sterling Silver vs. Gold Vermeil vs. Solid Gold
Which Metal Is Right for You?
7 min read
The Complete Birthstone Guide
Meaningful Gemstones for Mother's Jewelry, Gifts & Custom Pieces
8 min read
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Understanding the Differences — And Why We Offer Both
5 min read
Anniversary Ring Remakes
Reimagining Your Ring at Life's Biggest Milestones
6 min read
Sterling Silver vs. Gold Vermeil vs. Solid Gold
Which Metal Is Right for You?
Understanding Your Options
Choosing the right metal is one of the most important decisions when buying jewelry. Each option has distinct advantages in terms of durability, appearance, and value — and the right choice depends on how you'll wear the piece and what matters most to you.
Sterling Silver (92.5% Pure Silver)
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for added strength. It's been used in jewelry for centuries and remains one of the most popular choices for everyday pieces. Sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air and moisture — this is normal and easily reversed with a polishing cloth. According to the Silver Institute, global silver jewelry demand reached 234.1 million ounces in 2022, making it the single largest category of silver fabrication demand.
Gold Vermeil (Gold Over Sterling Silver)
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-MAY") is sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold — at least 2.5 microns thick, per FTC standards. This gives you the warmth of gold at a fraction of the cost. Vermeil is significantly more durable than standard gold plating (which can be as thin as 0.5 microns). With care, a quality vermeil piece can last years. When the gold layer eventually wears, we offer a gold dipping service to restore it — starting at $55.
14K Gold (58.3% Pure Gold)
14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold mixed with alloys like copper, silver, and zinc for durability. It's the most popular choice for fine jewelry in the United States — the Jewelers of America trade association estimates that 14K accounts for roughly 90% of all gold jewelry sold in the U.S. It offers an excellent balance of color, durability, and value. 14K gold will not tarnish and is suitable for daily wear, including pieces you never take off.
18K Gold (75% Pure Gold)
18K gold contains 75% pure gold — giving it a richer, deeper color than 14K. It's the standard for luxury and high-end fine jewelry worldwide. According to the World Gold Council, 18K gold is the most common karat for fine jewelry in Europe and Asia. The higher gold content means it's slightly softer than 14K, but with proper care it's absolutely suitable for daily-wear rings and pieces meant to last a lifetime.
Our Recommendation
For everyday pieces you want to keep affordable and stylish, sterling silver and gold vermeil are excellent choices. For pieces you'll wear every day for years — especially engagement rings and wedding bands — we always recommend 14K or 18K solid gold. Every Pacific Jewel piece is available in all four metals so you can choose what's right for your lifestyle and budget.
Have Questions?
Sara is always happy to help you choose the right metal, gemstone, or design for your piece.
Book a Consultation7 min read
The Complete Birthstone Guide
Meaningful Gemstones for Mother's Jewelry, Gifts & Custom Pieces
Why Birthstones Matter
Birthstone jewelry is one of the most personal and meaningful gifts you can give — or wear yourself. The modern birthstone list was standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) in 1912, with updates by the American Gem Trade Association in 1952 and beyond. Each month's stone carries centuries of symbolism and significance.
The Birthstones
January: Garnet (deep red, symbolizes protection). February: Amethyst (purple quartz, symbolizes clarity). March: Aquamarine (pale blue beryl, symbolizes courage). April: Diamond (symbolizes eternal love). May: Emerald (rich green beryl, symbolizes rebirth). June: Pearl or Alexandrite (symbolizes wisdom). July: Ruby (red corundum, symbolizes passion). August: Peridot (olive green, symbolizes strength). September: Sapphire (blue corundum, symbolizes loyalty). October: Opal or Tourmaline (symbolizes hope). November: Topaz or Citrine (symbolizes warmth). December: Tanzanite, Zircon, or Turquoise (symbolizes prosperity).
Mother's Jewelry: A Pacific Jewel Specialty
Some of our most cherished custom pieces are mother's rings and necklaces featuring each child's birthstone. These pieces are deeply personal — a ring with three stones might represent three children, or a pendant might mark a new baby's arrival. We've designed hundreds of mother's pieces over the years, from delicate stackable rings with a single stone to elaborate multi-stone custom designs. According to the National Retail Federation, jewelry is consistently among the top three gift categories for Mother's Day, with Americans spending over $7 billion on Mother's Day jewelry in 2023.
Custom Birthstone Pieces at Pacific Jewel
Sara can incorporate any birthstone into a custom design — whether it's a mother's ring with your children's stones, a family pendant, or a personal piece with your own birthstone. Every gemstone is sourced to spec and hand-set at Sara's bench. If you have a birthstone piece in mind, book a consultation and we'll design something truly one-of-a-kind.
Have Questions?
Sara is always happy to help you choose the right metal, gemstone, or design for your piece.
Book a Consultation8 min read
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Understanding the Differences — And Why We Offer Both
The Same Chemistry, Different Origins
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical. Both are pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal structure. The difference is origin: natural diamonds formed 1–3 billion years ago deep within the Earth's mantle, while lab-grown diamonds are created in weeks using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology. The Federal Trade Commission updated its definition of "diamond" in 2018 to include lab-grown stones, confirming they are real diamonds.
The Price Difference
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 60–85% less than comparable natural diamonds. According to data from The Diamond Pro and Rare Carat, a 1-carat, round brilliant, VS1 clarity, G color natural diamond averages $5,000–$7,500 while a comparable lab-grown diamond averages $800–$1,500 (as of 2024). This gap has widened significantly as lab-grown production has scaled — prices for lab-grown diamonds have dropped roughly 75% since 2017.
Resale Value & Long-Term Investment
This is the most important distinction for many buyers. Natural diamonds retain roughly 30–50% of their retail value on the resale market — they have an established secondary market through platforms like Worthy, I Do Now I Don't, and traditional jewelers. Lab-grown diamonds, because production capacity continues to expand and prices continue to drop, currently have very limited resale value. The Gemological Institute of America notes that while lab-grown diamonds are "real diamonds," the rapidly declining cost of production makes long-term value retention uncertain. If holding value matters to you, a natural diamond is the stronger choice. If maximizing size and sparkle for your budget is the priority, lab-grown delivers extraordinary value.
Environmental & Ethical Considerations
Lab-grown diamonds require significant energy to produce but avoid the environmental disruption of mining. A 2021 study published in the journal Nature estimated that mining a single carat of diamond disturbs roughly 100 square feet of land and produces nearly 6,000 pounds of mineral waste. However, the energy-intensive nature of lab-grown production (particularly HPHT) means the carbon footprint depends heavily on the energy source. The Kimberley Process, established in 2003, certifies 99.8% of the world's natural diamond supply as conflict-free, though critics argue the definition of "conflict" is too narrow.
Our Approach at Pacific Jewel
We source both lab-grown and natural diamonds — because the right choice depends on you, not us. Sara will walk you through the options honestly, help you understand the trade-offs, and source the perfect stone for your design and budget. Every diamond we set is graded and certified, whether lab-grown or natural. We want you to make an informed decision you feel great about.
Have Questions?
Sara is always happy to help you choose the right metal, gemstone, or design for your piece.
Book a Consultation5 min read
Anniversary Ring Remakes
Reimagining Your Ring at Life's Biggest Milestones
Why Couples Remake Their Rings
Your wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment — but you're not the same person you were on your wedding day. Tastes evolve, lifestyles change, and after 10, 20, or 30 years of marriage, many couples want a ring that reflects who they've become together. According to a 2023 survey by The Knot, 22% of married couples upgrade or redesign their engagement or wedding ring at some point during their marriage. The most common milestones for ring remakes are the 10th, 20th, 25th, and 30th anniversaries — but we also see couples mark birthdays, career achievements, or simply the feeling that "it's time."
What a Remake Looks Like
An anniversary remake can mean many things: resetting your original diamond or gemstone into a completely new design, adding side stones, upgrading to a larger center stone, or designing a brand-new ring from scratch that incorporates elements of the original. Sara works with you through the same custom design process — consultation, CAD design, photorealistic renderings, revisions — so you see exactly what your new ring will look like before any work begins. Many clients choose to incorporate their original stone into the new design as a way of honoring the history of the piece.
Traditional & Modern Anniversary Gemstones
Anniversary gemstones add beautiful symbolism to a remake. The 10th anniversary is traditionally represented by diamonds, 15th by ruby, 20th by emerald, 25th by silver jubilee (silver or sterling), 30th by pearl, 35th by emerald, 40th by ruby, 45th by sapphire, and 50th by gold. These traditions give you a meaningful starting point for a redesign — imagine resetting your original diamond alongside a sapphire for your 45th anniversary, or adding emerald accents for your 20th.
Beyond Milestones
Not every ring remake needs a milestone. We've redesigned rings for couples celebrating a second marriage, a career change, overcoming illness, or simply falling in love with a new design. Some of our most meaningful pieces came from clients who said, "We don't have a reason — we just want something new that represents us now." Whatever your reason, we'd love to help you design something beautiful.
Have Questions?
Sara is always happy to help you choose the right metal, gemstone, or design for your piece.
Book a ConsultationFrom Around the Web
Resources We Recommend
Curated articles, podcasts, and videos from trusted sources in the jewelry and gemology world.
The GIA Podcast: Diamonds — Natural & Lab-Grown
GIA experts break down what you need to know about lab-grown vs natural diamonds, grading standards, and what the future holds for the diamond industry.
Source: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
How to Choose an Engagement Ring: The Complete Guide
A comprehensive breakdown of the 4Cs, ring settings, metals, and budgeting — from one of the most trusted names in gemology education.
Source: GIA.edu
Understanding Gold Karats: 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K Explained
Clear explanation of what gold karats mean, how they affect durability and color, and which is best for different types of jewelry.
Source: Jewelers of America
How Custom Rings Are Made: From CAD to Finished Piece
A behind-the-scenes look at the custom jewelry process — from digital design in CAD software through casting, stone setting, and final polish.
Source: YouTube
The Kimberley Process: What It Is and Why It Matters
An overview of the international certification scheme that aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market.
Source: Kimberley Process
Brilliant Earth Podcast: Ethical Jewelry & Sustainability
Conversations about ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and transparency in the modern jewelry industry.
Source: Brilliant Earth
Ready to Create Something Beautiful?
Whether it's a custom engagement ring, a birthstone piece for Mom, or an anniversary remake — Sara would love to hear your vision.