Let’s start with a truth most jewelers don’t talk about: not all fine jewelry is created equally. Just because something costs more... or comes in a certain colored box... doesn’t mean it’s made well. Good jewelry, real jewelry, is about what you don’t always see. And if you don’t know what to look for, you’ll miss the most important parts.
We're not here to give you a crash course in metallurgy (though it's totally our jam so pop in if you'd like one). We're here to tell you what matters. The details. The integrity. The difference between a piece you wear forever and a piece that doesn’t survive the weekend.
So, if you want to know how to spot high-quality craftsmanship in fine jewelry, here’s where you start:
1. Start by Turning It Over
Always. Flip the piece over. Examine the back.
The front can be misleading. The sparkle can seduce. But the back? That’s where the truth lives.
A well-made piece will be finished all the way through. No rough edges. No exposed glue. No weird solder blobs. The undercarriage should be as beautiful as the part facing out. If it isn’t—someone cut corners.
2. Check the Prongs
Do they hold the stone securely without screaming for attention?
Good prongs are symmetrical. Clean. Even. They don’t snag on sweaters. They don’t wobble. They don’t look like a toddler did the metalwork.
The stone should look like it belongs there, not like it’s desperately trying to escape.
3. Feel the Weight
High-quality fine jewelry has weight. It shouldn’t feel like it could float away in a light breeze. If it does, it’s probably hollow, plated, or simply not made with much care.
Does that mean heavier = better? Not always. But if something feels flimsy, it probably is.
4. Observe the Setting
There are lots of ways to set a stone. Bezel. Prong. Pavé. Channel. Doesn’t matter which one—what matters is how well it’s done.
Look closely. Are the stones level? Is the spacing consistent? Are they secure?
Bad setting work will show up over time—stones fall out, edges wear down. Good setting work holds.
5. Don’t Be Distracted by Carat Size
The size of the stone is the least interesting part. What matters is how it’s integrated. How it sits. How it lives in the piece. A good jeweler knows that the stone is the punctuation, not the whole sentence.
6. Look at the Finish
Whether it’s high polish, brushed, matte, or hammered—the finish should be even, intentional, and precise. No random shiny spots. No accidental rough patches.
It should look and feel deliberate.
Jewelry is meant to be touched. So touch it. Run your fingers over it. Does it feel smooth? Does it catch in weird places? If the finish feels lazy, the whole piece probably is.
7. Open and Close Everything
Hinges. Clasps. Locks. These are often where the piece fails—literally.
A high-quality piece clicks closed with confidence. It doesn’t require three hands, a prayer, and a cocktail. Hinges should be fluid but firm. You shouldn’t feel like you’re forcing anything.
8. Check for Hallmarks—But Don’t Stop There
Hallmarks are stamps indicating metal purity (like 14K or PLAT). They're helpful, but not gospel.
Plenty of mass-produced pieces have hallmarks. That doesn’t make them well made.
So yes, check the stamp. But don’t let it be your only test. Look at the construction. Feel the integrity. Trust your instincts more than the engraving.
9. Try It On. Wear It. Feel It.
This is where the real truth shows up. How does it sit on your body? Does it turn? Shift? Pinch? Catch? Does it stay where it belongs?
Well-crafted jewelry becomes part of you. It moves with you. If it’s fighting your body, it wasn’t made for it. And you deserve better.
Let’s Talk Lab-Grown Diamonds (Briefly)
There’s this outdated idea that lab-grown diamonds are somehow “less than.” That they don’t count. That they’re not real.
We exist to show you they are. Chemically, optically, emotionally—lab-grown diamonds are *real* diamonds.
What’s not real? The marketing spin that says you need to mine to express your love.
At Bloomstone, we work with lab-grown diamonds because we believe in being the best and we don’t compromise on quality. Ever.
Last Words: Be a Snob (in the Best Way)
You don’t need to settle for pretty. Pretty is easy. Pretty is mass-produced.
Go for pieces that hold meaning, memory, and mastery.
Ask the hard questions. Be relentless in your standards. And when you find something that feels like it was made with intention—turn it over and make sure it proves itself.