What is a Jewelry Appraisal?
An appraisal is an expert, educated, professional, and thoughtful estimate of the value of something. That estimate of value is affected by place,...
Journal
The Alara Journal
Montana sapphires, diamonds, care guides and the designers we love, from the Alara team in Bozeman.
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Stories
Ethically Sourced Diamonds: A Buyer's Guide to Conflict-Free Options
TL;DR: A Kimberley Process certificate is the floor, not the finish line, it screens for conflict financing only, not labor conditions or...
What is a Sweater Necklace?
Here in Bozeman, sweaters are a fact of life about half the year. Since we find ourselves garbed in "warm cozies" so much, we Bozemanites like to...
12 Stunning Engagement Rings You'll Fall For | Adorn-A-Gogo
So many styles, so little time....here's an overview of just a smidge of the variety we design, love, purchase, and collaborate on.
By Design: Belle Brooke
Introducing artists to people is one of our favorite parts of the job here at Alara Jewelry, and our new "By Design" series will showcase one of...
Amethyst: The Legendary February Birthstone
Amethyst has been adorned for hundreds of years, but it wasn't always worn for looks. The word amethyst originates from the Greek word...
Choosing the Right Metal Color for Your Skin Tone
It may not surprise you that certain jewelry metal colors look better on you than on others, but have you ever wondered why a specific metal...
Trend Focus: Bold Statement Earrings
Audacious and bold, the trend of large earrings is everywhere.
Diamond Myths: Yes, You Can Break Them!
A very unfortunate story about a gentleman who thought diamonds were invincible:
Why Shop Local For Jewelry?
Before I started working at Alara, I would never have considered buying a piece of jewelry from a local jewelry shop. I always assumed that local...
Something Wicked This Way Comes: October's Mysterious Gems
October is full of mystery. Autumn, in all of its majesty and decay, comes flooding from the mountaintops to drape the town in finery. Seems...
I Don't Wear Jewelry, I Wear Art
Where to start?
Montana Sapphires | Montana's Dirty (and Rough) Secret
What’s not to like about them?! They’re the state gemstone for Montana, and the birthstone for September.
Rocks Aren't Just For Whiskey
For thousands of years, men adorned themselves with jewelry just as much as (if not more than) women. Regardless of class or stature, many men in...
The 5 Most Popular Diamond Cuts Right Now
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Style Knows No Age: Meet Maria
Maria and her husband, Rod, married in my hometown of Houston, although they met in Germany, both having been in the military at the time. Maria...
August Birthstones: Did You Know There are 3?
August babies, rejoice! August birthstones provide a plethora of colors to fit every occasion.
Why Don't Women Treat Themselves to Fine Jewelry?
I’ve been a jeweler for 34 years now. Way back at the beginning, I remember the World Gold Council rolling out a huge marketing campaign,...
Chantell: Sexy Girl Next Door
"I think my style is cute, but... the girls are making me be sexy."
Repurposed. Beauty
"Realize what you really want. It stops you from chasing butterflies and puts you to work digging gold." --William Moulton Marston (1893 - 1947),...
Your January Birthstone is Anything But Basic
TL;DR: The January birthstone, garnet, is far more diverse than most people realize. While often associated with deep red hues, garnet is actually...
Bad Ass Lady | Montana Bespoke Jewelry
Jamie was also about to move to a big city. She wanted to wear her elk ivory with style, in a place where probably very few people will recognize...
Custom Jewelry in Bozeman, MT
In 2004, I applied for a patent on a stone-setting technique I invented. The idea was simple enough: take naturally beautiful rocks and set fine...
Protecting the Family Jewels
Oh, my. The jewelry repairs we get at Alara in Bozeman, Montana. The bent-over prong accompanied by, "But I wasn't doing ANYTHING!" Or, the ring...
Who, Me? Buy Fine Jewelry For Myself? The Psychology Behind Self-Purch
Statistics can certainly be dull. But, there are some numbers (and the jewelry industry loves to compile them) I find fascinating. Especially when...
What Is A Baguette Diamond?
When searching for that perfect center stone, you may not hear a lot about baguette diamonds. However, baguette-cut diamonds have a long history...
What Makes A Diamond Sparkle?
When it comes to sparkling, diamonds are the most coveted gemstones known to man. For diamonds, all other qualities that make gemstones valuable...
Can You Break a Diamond?
Why yes–you can break a diamond. In fact, you can break a diamond during the normal wear of your diamond jewelry.
What Are Inclusions In A Diamond?
Did you know that diamonds are not alike? From a mere look, they look alike and identical. The truth is, they are not. But what makes them different?
The 7 Most Common Times When You Should Not Wear Your Engagement Ring
Your engagement ring is one of the most important rings you’ll ever wear, but does that mean that you should wear your ring every hour of every...
Best Valentine Gifts – 3 Easy Rules to Pick Perfect Jewelry
Among the most traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, jewelry reigns supreme because of its enduring nature. Flowers and chocolates are beautiful and...
Alternative Metal Rings: 9 Things to Know
In addition to traditional precious metal wedding bands – those made of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium – today’s alternative metals provide...
Russian Sanctions and Diamond Pricing - How to Support Ukraine Through
Citizens of the world are reeling since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and are wondering about how to support Ukraine through their consumer...
How To Clean Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are one of nature's most beautiful miracles, and they have been prized by humans for millennia. Strands of pearls have been worn by ancient...
What Is A Salt And Pepper Diamond?
A salt and pepper diamond is a naturally occurring gemstone with inclusions and color markings, making it an alternative to the conventional...
Should I Insure My Jewelry?
Similar to insurance for other types of assets, jewelry insurance is about protecting you financially from the unplanned and unexpected. Since...
What Is A CVD Diamond?
A CVD diamond is one type of lab-grown diamond. Of the two types of lab-grown diamond manufacturing processes (the other being HPHT), CVD diamonds...
How to Care for Opals: The Essential Guide
TL;DR: Mastering how to care for opals ensures their brilliant fire and play of color endure for generations. This practical guide breaks down...
What Color Diamond Is The Most Expensive?
Most people don't know that diamonds are available in different colors ranging from deep black to faint pink, plus every imaginable hue....
Which Diamond Shape Is The Biggest?
Diamonds are known for their signature sparkle and shine. While some jewelry incorporates diamonds in a subtle way, most designs allow these...
What Is Used To Cut Diamonds?
Diamond is one of the hardest substances existing on the earth. As you know from our blog and video on “Can You Break a Diamond,” diamonds are not...
What are Montana Sapphires?
TL;DR: Wondering what is a Montana sapphire? Montana sapphires are natural gemstones mined in Montana and celebrated for their durability,...
6 Reasons To Wear Pearls On Your Wedding Day
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend and they certainly have an entrancing sparkle. But if you’re looking for something a little different, pearls...
What is a Rose Cut Diamond?
Rose cut diamonds are pretty rare in the diamond world. The rose-cut is among the oldest diamond cuts, but they have also been enjoying a revival...
Eco-Friendly Elegance: The Rise of Sustainable Jewelry
As more consumers align their purchasing decisions with environmental values, the demand for sustainable fine jewelry has surged. This growing...
January 2024 at Alara Jewelry
Style and ethical sourcing are not mutually exclusive.
8 Ways to Choose Unique Jewelry Gifts for Every Occasion to Dazzle & D
Hey there, fellow bling enthusiasts! Ready to embark on a journey through the twinkling universe of artisanal jewelry? Whether it's a special...
February 2024 at Alara Jewelry
Hey there, fellow bling enthusiasts! Ready to embark on a journey through the twinkling universe of artisanal jewelry?
March 2024 at Alara Jewelry
In addition to aquamarine, March babies enjoy another birthstone...bloodstone.
April 2024 at Alara Jewelry
Learn all about our
How to Measure Ring Size
To begin, let’s talk about what a proper-fitting ring looks and feels like. And here’s a video that demonstrates proper ring fit.
May 2024 at Alara Jewelry
Getting an accurate ring size is of the utmost importance.
Giving Old Jewelry New Life: Ideas for Repurposing Old Jewelry
As you’re about to learn, there are many ways your second-hand jewelry, old jewelry, broken jewelry, and inherited jewelry can be repurposed or...
June 2024 at Alara Jewelry
If you weren’t one of the first five to respond to this month's newsletter email-–have no fear!
July 2024 at Alara Jewelry
If you weren’t one of the first five to respond to this month's newsletter email-–have no fear!
The Basics of Diamond Grading Explained
Many people are familiar with the "Four C's" of diamond quality: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. However, few realize how these factors...
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
The short answer is yes. They are not cubic zirconia; they are not moissanite; they are not white sapphiresor other similants meant to look like...
Jewelry Care 101
Jewelry holds a special place in our lives - whether it’s a family heirloom, a sentimental gift, or a piece you gifted yourself for a milestone...
Top Choices for an Engagement Ring with No Diamond: Unique Gems to Con
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, no diamond is required - contrary to what some persistent marketing campaigns would have you...
The Evolution of Engagement Ring Styles
Engagement rings hold a special place in our hearts and histories. They symbolize love, commitment, and - let’s face it - a sparkling and...
Unique Men's Wedding Rings: Breaking Tradition with Style
Let’s be honest - traditional men’s wedding rings can be a little… uninspiring. The plain gold band? Classic, sure, but does it really reflect...
How to Wear an Engagement Ring and Wedding Band
By Babs Noelle, Designer & Owner, Alara Jewelry | Published June 25, 2026
How Much are Sapphires Worth? Your No-Nonsense Guide to a Colorful Tre
Ah, sapphires. Not just the blue gemstone from your grandmother’s engagement ring or that tiara from your late-night royal drama binge. Sapphires...
The Value of Custom Jewelry Pieces
Let’s be real: the jewelry world is flooded with mass-produced sameness - what we often refer to as McJewelry. And while there might be a time and...
The Secret of Sapphire Colors: Beyond the Blue
When you hear “sapphire,” odds are you imagine a rich, royal blue. That’s fair - blue sapphires have had a publicist in the form of British...
From Scoop to V-Neck: What Necklace to Wear with What Neckline
Let’s cut to the chase. Necklines matter. A lot. Especially when you're pairing them with necklaces. The right combo flatters your face, balances...
Why Ethical & Eco-Conscious Jewelry Shopping Matters - And Who Benefits
Jewelry isn’t just about sparkle - it’s about story. It celebrates moments, milestones, and memories. But for a growing number of folks, it also...
Sundance Catalog Jewelry Sample Sale | 40% Off | New and Unworn!
If you've ever admired the artistic jewelry offerings in Sundance Catalog or viewed the work of Stephen Estelle** here in our gallery, here's your...
How to Clean a Diamond Ring at Home
Your diamond ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a precious reminder of cherished moments. Keeping it pristine and gleaming is...
How to Get Custom Jewelry Made | The Art of Creating Jewelry with a St
Custom jewelry isn’t just about sparkle, it’s about soul. When you’re looking to express a deep connection, mark a milestone, or carry a part of...
Stacking Rings: How to Create a Chic Look Without Overdoing It
There’s no one “law,” but the golden guideline is balance. Successful ring stacking is about proportion and intention. Too many bold, wide pieces...
Celestial Jewelry: Sun, Moon & Star Meanings
There’s a reason celestial jewelry keeps circling back into style: it’s meaningful, it’s versatile, and - let’s be honest - it’s irresistibly...
Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry: A Buying Guide
The Short Skinny - For the Busy, Curious & Ethically Inclined
10 Fine Jewelry Staples for a Curated Collection
Look, we’ve all been there. You’re standing in front of the mirror, ten minutes late for a dinner that actually matters, staring at a tangle of...
What an Ancient Pendant Tells Us About Stone Age Fashion
Turns out the desire to wear meaningful jewelry is not a modern invention. Not even close.
You Don't Need a Blue Boxto Find a Hidden Garden
The fine jewelry world has been buzzing about "hidden gardens" and blue book spring collections. Alara's Flora & Fauna collection has been sitting...
Jewelry Trends in 2026
TL;DR: Jewelry trends 2026 are less about chasing what’s new and more about choosing what lasts. This guide breaks down the shift toward...
Stylish Statement Stud Earrings
TL;DR: Statement stud earrings prove that less can do more. This blog explores how subtle design creates standout style. You’ll learn how modern...
Diamond Grading Explained: The 4Cs(And What They Don't Tell You)
If you've started shopping for a diamond, you've already met the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. They show up on every grading report, every...
September Birthstone: Everything You Need to Know About Sapphire
If you were born in September, your birthstone is sapphire, and you got one of the best draws on the calendar. It's tough enough for daily wear,...
What Is an Ethical Diamond? (And How to Know If Yours Is One)
The phrase "ethical diamond" gets used a lot in jewelry marketing. It gets used the way "natural" gets used on food labels: technically...
The Case for a Sapphire Engagement Ring
For most of the 20th century, "engagement ring" was basically shorthand for "diamond." But that equation never made sense outside of marketing...
Impactful Ethical Jewelry: Fashion with a Conscience
Let's be honest: "ethical jewelry" has become a phrase that gets tossed around a lot. It sounds good. It feels good to say. And like most things...
How to Make Your Diamond Ring Sparkle Again (At Home)
If you're reading this, your diamond ring has probably lost something. It's not missing. It's just hidden under a film of dry shampoo, hand...
Pigeon Blood Ruby vs Pink Sapphire: GIA Color Guide
TL;DR: Fine ruby is getting harder to source industry-wide, and GIA's color standard explains part of why. A lot of what gets marketed as "ruby"...
Diamond Market Trends 2026: Are Prices Dropping?
Tl;dr
Two-Tone Engagement Rings
TL;DR: Two-tone engagement rings combine contrasting metals to create a bridal look that feels personal, versatile, and intentionally designed....
Earring Stacks Tips: Maximize Your Style with Gold & Silver
TL;DR: Earring Stacks in Under 60 Seconds
Fine Jewelry vs Fashion Jewelry | Alara Jewelry
TL;DR: Fine jewelry vs fashion jewelry comes down to materials, durability, repairability, and long-term value. Quality pieces cost more up front,...