Useful Resources for Rings, Materials and Jewellery

This is a curated set of resources I’ve found genuinely useful while designing and producing rings. It covers sizing, materials, gemstones and a few places worth exploring if you’re looking into independent jewellery.

Ring Sizing & Measurement

• Wikipedia: Ring size
  Overview of international ring size systems (US, UK, EU), useful when ordering from different countries.
• Blue Nile Ring Size Guide
  Printable ring sizer and practical measuring methods at home.
  

Materials & Metals

• Wikipedia: Sterling silver
  Explains what 925 silver is and why it is widely used in jewellery.
• Wikipedia: Patina
  Background on oxidation and surface darkening, relevant for textured or oxidised finishes.
  

Gemstones & Symbolism

• Wikipedia: Mohs hardness scale
  Helps explain gemstone durability for everyday wear.
• GIA Gem Encyclopedia
  Detailed breakdown of gemstones, their properties and origins.
• Wikipedia: Birthstone
  Cultural associations of stones by month.

Jewellery Care

• How to Clean Sterling Silver
  Simple methods for cleaning silver safely.
  
• Wikipedia: Tarnish
  Explains how silver reacts with sulfur in the air to form a dark surface layer (silver sulfide), which causes tarnishing.

Independent Jewellery & Directories

• Fashion Listings
  A fashion and style directory that includes independent brands and related resources.