The Journal
Notes from the bench.
Stories on diamonds and design, buying guides for pre-owned Rolex, and the small lessons that come from three generations behind the same counter.
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FeaturedSan Diego Jewelry Buyer · 4 min read
What a Jewelry Appraisal Costs, and When You Need One
A written appraisal is a document you pay for and states replacement value. A verbal appraisal is a jeweler telling you what a piece is worth. They answer different questions, and most people ask for the wrong one.
Read the article →October 2026
San Diego Jewelry Buyer · 4 min read
What a Gram of Gold Is Worth When You Sell It
The spot price is for pure gold by the troy ounce. Your chain is not pure and is not weighed that way. Here is the arithmetic between the headline number and the number you are offered.
October 2026
San Diego Engagement Rings · 4 min read
What Ring Resizing Costs, and When It Cannot Be Done
Most rings can be resized and most people are quoted a range rather than a price. Here is what actually drives the cost, and the rings a good jeweler will tell you not to resize at all.
October 2026
San Diego Engagement Rings · 4 min read
Platinum, White Gold or Yellow: Choosing a Ring Metal
White gold is plated and the plating wears. Platinum is white all the way through and scratches into a patina. Which matters depends on how you wear a ring, not on which metal is better.
October 2026
San Diego Engagement Rings · 4 min read
Moissanite vs Diamond: An Honest Comparison
Moissanite is harder than almost anything except diamond, brighter than diamond, and worth a fraction of it. Here is what actually separates them, including the test a jeweler uses.
September 2026
San Diego Jewelry Buyer · 5 min read
How to Sell Estate Jewelry
What estate jewelry actually means, who buys it, how a jeweler arrives at a number, and the four things that cost people money before they ever reach a counter.
September 2026
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
The 2025 Rolex GMT Master II with a Tiger Iron Dial
A description of the new Rolex Tiger Iron Dial. 2025 is the first year Rolex has used Tiger Iron
July 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
14k Gold
A discussion of 14k gold including percentage of gold and other metals as well as its popularity.
July 2025
San Diego Jewelry Buyer · 2 min read
Where Should You Sell Your Diamonds?
A discussion of the pros and cons of pawn shops, jewelers, and private parties when selling jewelry.
July 2025
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Chromalight
A description of Rolex's new luminescent material Chromalight.
July 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Some Information on 18 Karat Gold
A discussion of the balance of durability and gold percentage with 18k gold vs. 24k or 14k.
July 2025
San Diego Jewelry Buyer · 2 min read
Selling Jewelry that Isn’t Fine Jewelry
Some advice on selling costume jewelry.
July 2025
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New arrivals in the watch case, buying guides, and the occasional story from the counter. No noise — just things worth knowing.
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