The Journal

Thin bands, worn prongs and hard knocks: why rings fail, which settings hold stones best, and the checks that prevent it.

Hallmarks, magnets, water density and acid: which home tests for gold work, which mislead, and the figures for 10K, 14K and 18K.

Which toe, what size, adjustable or closed: how to choose and wear a toe ring comfortably.

Push, screw, lever, latch and locking backs: which keep an earring on, and how to stop losing them.

The Cuban chain explained: width, length, solid or semi-solid, and how to choose one that lasts.

The adjustable bracelet that fits almost any wrist: how the sliding bead works, how to fit it, and when it needs attention.

Smaller, and real: the solid gold and sterling pieces we would give at every price up to $500.

The stamp tells you purity, not quantity. What hollow gold is, what sellers must disclose, and six ways to check a chain.

Cable to Cuban, rope to herringbone: the 20 chain styles, which are strongest, which kink, and how to layer them.

Mixing gold and silver is safe for the metals and easy to style. Here is how to do it well.