The Micoryan Journal

Natural Stone & Crystal Jewellery: Meanings and How to Wear Them
Rose quartz, amethyst, jade, turquoise, larimar and agate each carry traditional meanings. An honest guide to the folklore — and how to wear the stones. Read more...
Fancy-Colour Moissanite Explained: Yellow, Green, Blue, Pink & Rainbow
Moissanite doesn't only come colourless. An honest guide to yellow, green, blue, pink and rainbow moissanite — what gives each stone its colour, and how to wear it. Read more...
Jewellery set with green teardrop gemstones
Coloured Gemstones Guide: Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Beyond
A friendly guide to the world's favourite coloured gemstones — what they are, their colours and hardness, and what to know before you buy. Read more...
Round brilliant moissanite ring in sterling silver
Diamond Shapes Explained: Round, Oval, Emerald, Princess and More
Round, oval, emerald, princess, pear, cushion and marquise — what each diamond shape actually looks like, how they differ, and how to choose the one that suits you. Read more...
The Mohs Scale: How Scratch-Proof Is Your Jewellery, Really?
From soft amber to unscratchable diamond — a visual guide to the Mohs hardness scale, what it means for everyday wear, and why your pearls should never share a pouch with your moissanite. Read more...
Born in a Meteorite: The Strange True Story of How Moissanite Was Discovered
Moissanite was first found in fragments of a meteorite crater — and the chemist who discovered it initially thought he'd found diamonds. The true story of Henri Moissan, his Nobel Prize, and how a space mineral became the most affordable brilliant gem on Earth. Read more...
What Is Cubic Zirconia? An Honest Guide to CZ Jewellery
Cubic zirconia is one of the most misunderstood stones in jewellery. Here's what CZ actually is, how it compares with moissanite and diamond, and when it's a genuinely smart buy. Read more...
What Are Baroque Pearls? Why Perfectly Imperfect Pearls Are Everywhere
Baroque pearls — the irregular, one-of-a-kind shapes once rejected by tradition — are now the most fashionable pearls in the world. What they are, the famous history, and how to judge quality. Read more...
Pearl Sizes Explained: What 4mm to 12mm Actually Looks Like
Pearl prices jump dramatically with every millimetre — but bigger isn't automatically better. What each size range looks like when worn, and how to pick the right one for studs, necklaces and gifts. Read more...
What Is Green Amber? And How to Tell Real Amber from Fake
Amber isn't a stone at all — it's fossilised tree resin millions of years old. What makes green amber special, the honest truth about how it gets its colour, and simple tests for spotting fakes. Read more...
The 4Cs of Diamonds Explained: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat
Cut, colour, clarity, carat — the grading system behind every diamond price tag, explained in plain English, plus the smart-buyer tricks that save real money without visible difference. Read more...
How to Tell if a Diamond Is Real: Home Tests and What Actually Requires a Professional
The fog test, the newspaper test, UV light — which home diamond tests actually work, which are myths, and why even jewellers' thermal testers can be fooled by moissanite. Read more...
Birthstones by Month: The Complete Guide
All twelve birthstones — from January's garnet to December's turquoise — with the meaning behind each stone and honest notes on which ones need gentle care. Read more...
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What's Actually Different?
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined ones — so why the price gap? How they're made, how they're graded, the honest truth about resale value, and where moissanite fits in. Read more...
Freshwater vs Saltwater Pearls: Types of Pearls Explained
Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, baroque — pearl names can be confusing. What each type actually is, how they differ in look and price, and why baroque pearls are having a moment. Read more...
Moissanite vs Diamond: An Honest Comparison
Moissanite sparkles more, costs a fraction of the price, and is nearly as hard — so what's the catch? A fact-based comparison of moissanite and diamond, from a store that sells moissanite. Read more...
How to Tell if Pearls Are Real: 7 Simple Tests Anyone Can Do
Worried your pearls might be imitation? Here are 7 simple, honest tests — from the classic tooth test to checking lustre and drill holes — to help you tell real pearls from fakes. Read more...
Pearl Jewellery vs Diamond Jewellery: Which Should You Choose?
Pearl jewellery and diamond jewellery are two of the most enduring choices in fine jewellery — but they have very different looks, feels and price points. This guide helps you decide which is right for you. Read more...
The Complete Guide to Freshwater Pearl Jewellery: How to Buy, Style and Care for Pearls
Freshwater pearl jewellery is more beautiful, varied and accessible than ever. Whether you're buying your first pearl necklace, looking for pearl earrings as a gift, or wondering how to style pearls for modern life, this complete guide covers everything you need to know. Read more...