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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Pearl Guide, Pt. 1

Janice Stiles
There are so many beautiful shiny objects called “pearls” these day, but it's easy to tell the real ones from the fake ones. To do so, gently rub the pearl against the front of your tooth; if it feels gritty, then it’s a real pearl, whether cultured or natural. If it feels smooth, then it’s not a real pearl regardless of the description. Be careful to not use the edge of your tooth, as you could scratch the pearl!

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Birthstone Jewelry Feature: July Rubies

Janice Stiles
Rubies! One of the “big four” gemstones, which also include diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, rubies are July's birthstone, and a favorite gemstone of mine!

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Birthstone Jewelry Feature: June Pearls and Alexandrite

Janice Stiles
June's two traditional birthstones cover classic and quirky styles. Choose the perfect option for your loved ones with June birthdays!

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Behind-the-Scenes: What is Patina?

Janice Stiles
Explore the patina technique behind the beautiful blue-green copper elements in our Patina Collection!

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Birthstone Jewelry Feature: May Emeralds

Janice Stiles
Learn more about the "Jewel of Kings," May's birthstone!

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Fine Art Behind-the-Scenes: Fold Forming

Janice Stiles
Fold forming is a metalworking technique in which metal is folded, alternately annealed and forged repeatedly, and unfolded. Following this process, each piece of metal assumes a completely different and unique three-dimensional form.

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Birthstone Jewelry Feature: April White Topaz (A Great Diamond Substitute!)

Janice Stiles
Diamonds are April’s birthstone. I think most of us are familiar with diamonds (and what they cost!). I won’t be working in diamonds this year, but have some fabulous white topaz stones that are a lovely substitute at a fraction of the price.

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Birthstone Jewelry Feature: March Aquamarine

Janice Stiles
March's featured birthstone is Aquamarine. This is an amazing stone and its name is perfectly descriptive. It is such a beachy, watery pale blue, similar to seawater. Although it can have inclusions, most stones have excellent clarity and transparency. Color ranges from the pale to deep blue that is often seen in the ocean.

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Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Fine Art Behind-the-Scenes: Mined vs. Lab Created Stones

Janice Stiles
The jewelry industry is erupting with necklaces, rings, earrings, and other unique items created using a rainbow of gorgeous gemstones. Some are created with natural stones, while others use man-made alternatives—some of which are superior in brilliance and appearance. It’s important to keep in mind that high-quality, man-made stones are not intended to deceive, and just because they are lab-created, they are not necessarily low-quality.

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authentic behind the scenes custom accessories custom jewelry jan stiles jewelry jewelry design technique jewelry style guide mixed metal jewelry tres elegante designs
Image of a three-tiered pearl pendant from Jan's collection.

Birthstone Jewelry Feature: February Amethyst

Janice Stiles
Amethyst colors can range from pale lilac to a deep almost reddish purple. Amethyst is sometimes heat treated to enhance the color. It’s mined all over the world, but Brazil is best known for its amethyst mines.

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