That $100 gold-plated bracelet might seem like a deal, but how much will you spend replacing it? Here’s the real math on gold-plated vs gold-filled vs solid gold jewelry, with cost-per-year breakdowns based on years of experience making and repairing jewelry in my workshop.
Gemstone Jewelry Blog - Guides and Styling Tips - Valltasy
Gemstone guides, styling tips and jewelry trends from Valltasy. Learn about gemstones, care tips, and how to style your jewelry collection.
Moonstone has long been known as the stone of new beginnings, but that barely scratches the surface. Here’s what this gemstone really symbolizes, why so many people feel drawn to it, and the simplest ways to wear it every day.
I thought it was time I introduced myself. I am Valerya, the one-woman studio behind Valltasy, and this is the story of how a deep love of color and gemstones became a handmade jewelry business. A little about how I started, how I work at my bench, and what I hope every piece brings you.
Most people only know Blue Sapphires, but this gemstone comes in pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and even color-changing varieties. Here’s a walk through the full Sapphire rainbow from a designer who sources and works with every color.
What does “minor oil” or “cedar resin” mean on your Emerald certificate? Almost every Emerald is treated, and that’s been standard practice since Cleopatra. Here’s the treatment scale, what each level means, and which treatments I accept in my designs.
After making jewelry for over 5,000 customers, here’s what I’ve learned about which gemstone colors look best on warm, cool, and neutral skin tones, and when to forget the rules and follow your instinct instead.
Which colored gemstones are durable enough for an engagement ring you’ll wear every day? An honest guide from a jewelry designer covering Sapphire, Tourmaline, Garnet, Moonstone, and Opal, with the truth about hardness, settings, and what really matters.
Labradorite looked like an ordinary grey stone until I tilted it and that incredible blue flash appeared. Here’s what creates that magical effect, how Labradorite compares to Moonstone, and what I look for when selecting stones for my jewelry designs.
A fresh take on summer styling: how to wear beaded gemstone necklaces with linen, sundresses and tank tops, and why a handful of colorful beads layered against a plain gold chain looks better than either piece on its own.
Should your bridesmaids all wear the same jewelry or different pieces? Three approaches that work beautifully: all matching, coordinated with the same stone, or intentionally mismatched. A jewelry designer’s tips for creating sets your wedding party will love.


















