The Black Prince's Ruby: The Gemstone That Isn't a Ruby
The Black Prince's Ruby is 170 carats, sits at the centre of the Imperial State Crown, and is not a ruby. It is a spinel. The history of a famous misnomer.
The Cartier Family History: How a Paris Workshop Became the World's Most Important Jeweller
The Cartier family history, from the 1847 Paris founding to the three brothers who divided the world, Jeanne Toussaint, the iconic pieces, and the modern era.
Tiffany & Co: A History of the First American Luxury House
Tiffany & Co history, from the 1837 Manhattan founding to the Tiffany Setting, Schlumberger and Peretti, the Tiffany Diamond, and the 2021 LVMH acquisition.
For people who buy beautiful things,— The Gem, since 2026
and want to know the story behind them.
Two stories, one obsession
More stories →Pyrite and the Gold Rush: A History of the World's Most Beautiful Mistake
Pyrite was mistaken for gold from Martin Frobisher's 1577 Baffin Island expedition to the 1849 Gold Rush. The history of fool's gold and its real beauty.
- Tiffany & Co: A History of the First American Luxury House20 min
- The Cartier Family History: How a Paris Workshop Became the World's Most Important Jeweller19 min
- Pyrite and the Gold Rush: A History of the World's Most Beautiful Mistake17 min
- Renaissance Pigment Stones: When Blue Cost More Than Gold18 min
- Tolkien's Gemstones: The Stones of Middle-earth, and What They Meant18 min
- Viking Burial Jewellery: What the Graves Tell Us17 min
- Moonstone: The Stone That Wouldn't Stay Out of Fashion17 min
- The Black Prince's Ruby: The Gemstone That Isn't a Ruby15 min
- Elizabeth Taylor's Jewellery: A Collection That Rewrote the Rules16 min
The Diamond Market in 2026: What's Actually Happening
Natural diamond prices are down 30-40% from 2021. Lab-grown is down 75%+. What actually happened, who it affects, and what to do if you're buying or selling.
- The Diamond Market in 2026: What's Actually Happening17 min
- How to Sell Your Jewellery: A Guide to Every Route, Honestly15 min
- How to Care for Your Jewellery: A Complete Guide18 min
- Jewellery That Holds Its Value: A Realistic Guide18 min
- Precious vs Semi-Precious Stones: What the Distinction Means, and Doesn't16 min
- The Best Signet Rings for Men: A 2026 Buying Guide16 min
- Where to Buy Vintage Jewellery: The Best Shops in London and Online17 min
- The Engagement Ring Guide: Every Stone Beyond Diamond19 min
- Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: Which Is Actually Worth It in 2026?14 min
The Style edit
More style →Pink Jewellery, and the I-Hate-Pink Phase: A Reclamation
Pink jewellery is back: the cultural moment, the stones (pink sapphire, morganite, tourmaline, padparadscha, pink diamonds), and the reclamation behind it.
The Modern Women's Jewellery Edit: Seven Pieces Worth Owning
A modern women's jewellery edit: the seven pieces actually worth owning, with specific recommendations at entry, mid, and fine price tiers for 2026.
The Art of Layering Necklaces: How to Get It Right
How to layer necklaces well: chain lengths, the two-inch rule, mixing metals, the pitfalls to avoid, and the brands worth knowing for 2026.
How to Wear Pearls in 2026: The New Rules
How to wear pearls in 2026, from baroque strands with denim to men's pearl necklaces. The types, the styling, the mistakes, and the brands worth knowing.