Jewellery appraisals, grading reports and insurance: what each document does
A gem report, appraisal, receipt and insurance schedule answer different questions; understand their purpose, date, limits and relationship before relying on them.
Jewellery Academy
Understand the materials. Ask better questions. Choose and care for jewellery with more confidence.
Start with a learning path or go straight to a subject. These are independent reading guides, not an accredited course or a jewellery appraisal.
Understand the materials
Start with gold fineness, diamond documents, pearls and jade before comparing pieces.
Understanding gold purity: karats, fineness, colour and everyday wear
What karat numbers mean, how alloy and plating change appearance, what Hong Kong gold-marking rules cover, and how to compare a piece's written description before purchase.
Read the guideHow to read a diamond grading report before you buy
A report is a structured description of a particular diamond—not a valuation, warranty or promise of future value. Here is how to read it and verify the stone it describes.
Read the guideNatural vs laboratory-grown diamonds: questions to understand
The practical questions worth asking rather than a verdict on which is better.
Read the guideBuying pearls: how to compare lustre, surface, shape and care
A practical guide to comparing pearl appearance and construction, understanding common pearl types, asking about treatments and keeping pearls in good condition.
Read the guideBuying jade in Hong Kong: jadeite, treatment disclosure and careful comparison
A measured guide to jadeite and nephrite, common treatment vocabulary, judging a piece in person, understanding reports and asking for written descriptions before purchase.
Read the guide
Choose and commission
Build a shortlist, ask better questions and understand the steps in a bespoke commission.
How to shortlist a jewellery brand
A practical method for narrowing a wide directory down to two or three businesses worth an actual enquiry.
Read the guideHow to choose an engagement ring in Hong Kong: a calm, practical guide
A practical way to choose a ring around the wearer, the stone, the setting and the written terms—without salary formulas or sales pressure.
Read the guideFrom first sketch to finished piece: how bespoke jewellery commissions work
A stage-by-stage guide to commissioning a piece, clarifying design decisions, costs, approvals, timing, documentation and aftercare before you pay a deposit.
Read the guideWhat to ask before commissioning bespoke jewellery
The practical questions to raise in a first bespoke consultation, before any deposit is paid.
Read the guideA thoughtful jewellery shopping checklist for Hong Kong
Compare jewellery by purpose, material, stone, terms and service—not just display price—with practical questions for shops and online orders in Hong Kong.
Read the guide
Fit, care and ownership
Learn about sizing, aftercare, warranties and the different jobs that jewellery documents do.
Ring sizing and fit: how to get a comfortable, workable measurement
Finger size changes with temperature, time and band width. Learn how professional measurement, knuckle shape, international sizing and future resizing affect a comfortable fit.
Read the guideJewellery aftercare and warranties: what to ask before you pay
Separate written warranty, paid service and goodwill; compare scope, exclusions and care requirements before buying, then keep the records you will need later.
Read the guideJewellery appraisals, grading reports and insurance: what each document does
A gem report, appraisal, receipt and insurance schedule answer different questions; understand their purpose, date, limits and relationship before relying on them.
Read the guidePreparing for a resizing enquiry
What to check and bring before asking a jeweller to resize a ring.
Read the guideHow to compare jewellery aftercare
Reading past marketing language to understand what a business actually commits to after purchase.
Read the guide
Reference library
Find an answer by material, question or subject.
18 published guides
Natural vs laboratory-grown diamonds: questions to understand
The practical questions worth asking rather than a verdict on which is better.
Preparing for a resizing enquiry
What to check and bring before asking a jeweller to resize a ring.
Ring sizing and fit: how to get a comfortable, workable measurement
Finger size changes with temperature, time and band width. Learn how professional measurement, knuckle shape, international sizing and future resizing affect a comfortable fit.
Understanding gold purity: karats, fineness, colour and everyday wear
What karat numbers mean, how alloy and plating change appearance, what Hong Kong gold-marking rules cover, and how to compare a piece's written description before purchase.
What to ask before commissioning bespoke jewellery
The practical questions to raise in a first bespoke consultation, before any deposit is paid.
Put the knowledge to work.
Compare companies, research catalogue prices or use a jewellery calculator.
Sources and review dates are shown in individual guides. Information supports your research; it does not certify a gemstone, vendor or purchase. Editorial policy.