Silver Oak Journal

Notes from the atelier on craftsmanship, design and the gemstones behind every Silver Oak piece.

Understanding Watch Movements: Quartz vs. Automatic vs. Mechanical

Understanding Watch Movements: Quartz vs. Automatic vs. Mechanical

Quick answer Quartz watches run on a battery and a vibrating quartz crystal, making them the most accurate and lowest maintenance option. Automatic watches wind themselves from your wrist motion throu...

Jun 24, 2026

The Evolution of Engagement Rings Through the Decades , Historical Trends and Iconic Styles

The Evolution of Engagement Rings Through the Decades , Historical Trends and Iconic Styles

Quick answer Engagement ring styles shifted decade by decade: geometric Art Deco in the 1920s, Hollywood glamour in the 1930s, restrained wartime designs in the 1940s, solitaires in the 1950s, coloure...

Jun 19, 2026

Guide to Different Types of Diamond Cuts

Guide to Different Types of Diamond Cuts

Quick answer The main diamond cuts are round brilliant, princess, emerald, oval, cushion, marquise, pear and heart. Round brilliant gives the strongest sparkle thanks to 58 facets, princess and emeral...

Jun 14, 2026

Couples’ Ring Etiquette: Who Buys What in Kenyan Culture?

Couples’ Ring Etiquette: Who Buys What in Kenyan Culture?

Quick answer In Kenya, tradition holds that the man buys the engagement ring and each partner buys the other's wedding band. Today most urban couples choose rings together and split the cost. Silver O...

Jun 9, 2026

Luxury on the Wrist: How to Spot a Quality Luxury Watch

Luxury on the Wrist: How to Spot a Quality Luxury Watch

Quick answer A quality luxury watch shows smooth second hand movement, sapphire crystal, stainless steel or titanium cases, even hour marker alignment, and clean engraving. Buy from trusted brands wit...

Jun 4, 2026

Sustainable Jewellery: How Eco-Friendly Practices are Shaping the Market

Sustainable Jewellery: How Eco-Friendly Practices are Shaping the Market

Quick answer Sustainable jewellery uses recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and cleaner production methods to cut environmental harm and support fair labour. In Kenya, buyers increasingly as...

May 30, 2026

The Rise of Custom Jewellery in Kenya: Insights into Consumer Preferences and Growth Opportunities

The Rise of Custom Jewellery in Kenya: Insights into Consumer Preferences and Growth Opportunities

Quick answer Custom jewellery is the fastest growing segment in Kenya's fine jewellery market, driven by Gen Z and millennial buyers who want pieces that carry personal meaning. Silver Oak crafts besp...

May 25, 2026

The Ultimate Holiday Jewellery Wishlist: Sparkle, Style, and Sentiment with Silver Oak Jewellers

The Ultimate Holiday Jewellery Wishlist: Sparkle, Style, and Sentiment with Silver Oak Jewellers

Quick answer Silver Oak's holiday wishlist covers seven gift-ready categories in 925 sterling silver and gold accents: classic watches, halo and pearl earrings, layered bracelets, fashion and engageme...

May 20, 2026

The Rise of Bold Colored Gemstones in Kenyan Jewellery

The Rise of Bold Colored Gemstones in Kenyan Jewellery

Quick answer Bold coloured gemstones, led by tanzanite , emerald, ruby and sapphire, are the fastest growing category in Kenyan jewellery for 2025 to 2026. Buyers now choose colour for personal meanin...

May 15, 2026

Wedding Jewellery Trends in Kenya 2025: What Couples Are Choosing

Wedding Jewellery Trends in Kenya 2025: What Couples Are Choosing

Quick answer Kenyan couples in 2025 are choosing Tanzanite engagement rings, minimalist 925 sterling silver bands, matching his and hers couple sets, ethically sourced metals, and personalised engravi...

May 10, 2026

Layering & Stacking Jewellery: The Nairobi Way to Style 2025

Layering & Stacking Jewellery: The Nairobi Way to Style 2025

Quick answer Layering jewellery is the 2025 styling habit of wearing several 925 sterling silver pieces together: a delicate base chain, a mid-length pendant , then a longer chain, with two or three s...

May 5, 2026

How to Choose a Sustainable & Ethical Jewellery Gift in Kenya

How to Choose a Sustainable & Ethical Jewellery Gift in Kenya

Quick answer Choose a sustainable, ethical jewellery gift in Kenya by picking 925 sterling silver from a Nairobi atelier that stamps every piece, weighs it on the invoice, and works with recycled meta...

Apr 30, 2026

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