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.
AllRolex San DiegoSan Diego Engagement RingsSan Diego Jewelry BuyerTiffany & Co. TutorialSan Diego Wedding RingsTypes and Brands of Jewelery
San Diego Engagement Rings · 4 min read
What Lab-Grown Diamonds Actually Cost
Wholesale lab-grown prices have fallen 96% since 2018, but retail markups have barely moved. Here is what that gap means for what you pay, and what your stone is worth afterwards.
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 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 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 Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Is It Okay to Get Married on a Holiday?
Pros and cons of holiday weddings.
July 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Should You Solder Your Rings Together?
Some pros and cons about soldering your engagement ring and wedding band together.
June 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Top Engagement Ring Designs 2025
A quick look at the top trends for engagement ring designs in 2025
June 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Soldered Wedding Sets
A description of solder and it's use in joing engagement bands and wedding rings.
June 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Do Engagement Rings Still Matter?
Reasons why an engagement ring can still be an important thing.
June 2025
San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read
Do You Need to Sell a Vintage Engagement Ring?
Some tips on selling a vintage engagement ring successfully.
May 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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