Blog

A ring can look flawless in the display case and still be a poor match for the wearer. If you work with your hands or hate to polish jewelry, choosing the right material deserves as much attention as the design. ​Jewelry can be made from resin, glass, stainless steel, ceramic, enamel, or even leather. But…

Gold vermeil has long been a strong contender among gold jewelry alternatives. It gives you the rich look and feel of solid gold without the hefty price tag, and “ver-may” sounds undeniably luxurious. But behind the high-end name, there is a lot to consider: What does gold vermeil mean? How much real gold is in…

You’ve probably seen those images of unsightly dark or reddish patches appearing on gold jewelry. So it’s only reasonable to ask: will 14K gold tarnish? Short answer? Yes, it does tarnish, as does gold jewelry in other karats. It’s simply a natural consequence of the alloying metals it contains. Thankfully, it’s only a surface-level aesthetic…

You can wear solid gold in the shower without causing permanent chemical damage to the gold itself. Because pure gold does not oxidize or corrode, water alone will not ruin your piece. However, water is rarely the problem. Soap scum, harsh shampoos, and the reactive alloy metals mixed into 10K–18K gold mean daily showering will…

Standing in front of your jewelry box, you might wonder, “What color jewelry should I wear? Does gold or silver suit my complexion or match what I’m wearing?” Ultimately, you should wear whatever you love and what makes you comfortable. ​Old-school color theory still has its place, though. Stylists have long paired warm undertones with…

Whether you’re the bride or a guest, buying jewelry for a beach wedding takes more thought than usual. You want something that fits the relaxed, coastal setting, but still looks put together. Plus, the heat, humidity, wind, sand, sunscreen, and potentially saltwater can impact which jewelry is most practical. ​At The Alloy Market, we evaluate…

It’s surprisingly easy to overpay for a gold chain. A massive 14K chain can look impressive on a velvet tray yet contain a hollow interior with only a few grams of actual gold. Meanwhile, a pre-loved piece half its visual size might weigh twice as much and cost half the price. At The Alloy Market,…

Jewelry gives you almost endless ways to choose, mix, and match. So much so that the possibilities can get a little dizzying and leave you wondering, “How do I know what jewelry looks best on me? Where do I even start?” Learning how to choose jewelry takes more than picking whatever catches your eye, especially…

Before sending in your items, it’s helpful to know what we can and can’t accept. The Alloy Market specializes in precious metals, so some materials and items fall outside what we purchase. Items We Do Not Accept Please do not include: Items We Accept, But Do Not Assign Value To Gemstones and diamonds may be…

Knowing how to stack rings gives even a single meaningful piece a whole new story to tell. An engagement ring, wedding band, or family heirloom carries a lifetime of history, but pairing it with other pieces opens up another layer of self-expression. Once you master the art of the stack, you can give those forgotten…