Iris bought her wedding rings on Amazon. They outlasted the marriage. She regrets her choice of husband but not the rings!

Amazon Wedding Rings

One out of six women are disappointed with their engagement ring. 36% of them say they would much rather have picked the ring themselves. The commonest reasons for disappointment are usually the diamond being too small and the ring’s design not being to their tastes (despite detailed instructions!).

If you’re planning to propose soon, there’s no doubt you want things to go well, and for it to be a beautiful memory for both yourself and your partner. So, protect yourself against this risk by buying your wedding ring online.

Pros of Buying Online

• Thousands of different styles – Buying online has a whole bunch of advantages. For instance, on Amazon, you can choose between thousands of different styles and view buyer guides and reviews, so you can get a better idea of what your special lady will like. And if she’s around, you can look together! It’s something she’ll wear for the rest of her life, so you should make sure it’s to her tastes.

• The difference in cost – Another major factor – the biggest, in my opinion – is the difference in cost. Did you know that the average American spends $6,351 on a wedding ring? The amount is staggering, but what’s more surprising is the fact that the same ring can cost up to 50% less if bought online. When choosing a lesser-known brand, the discount for a ring of the same quality can be even steeper, like an insane 97% savings on what you pay. Jewelry stores – especially established ones – are notorious for marking up their prices. It’s not uncommon for them to have a 300% mark-up on popular rings. Furthermore, the average ring on Amazon costs way less because of higher competition and transparency.
• Super convenient – Buying online is also super convenient. No need to get dressed and go to a store where the employees will try to push you into buying something then and there. If you’re looking with your partner, it’s better still! You won’t need to find a time that suits both of you and then find the energy to actually go out. Lie in bed and have some snacks while browsing through the designs.
• No outside opinions – One other factor is that online, your decision will be completely your own. In a store, employees have their commission and monthly goal to consider. There have been times when I’ve been desperately asked to make a purchase, with the employee stating outright that she’s short of her monthly goal. You’ll never encounter that sort of pressure (or veiled emotional blackmail) online – especially on sites like Amazon.

Cons of Buying Online

Of course, buying a wedding ring online has its downsides as well. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• Sizing problems – While most of us know our t-shirt and shoe size, ring size is a wholly different matter. While buying online, this is one issue that might arise – although some websites send out free ring sizers (they look like a mix between a miniature measuring tape and a zip-tie) and others, such as Amazon, often have helpful sizing charts online. And like Joe, you can always go to a store to get measured. Some others buy a couple of different sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.
• Sketchy websites – Amazon is a pretty safe bet while buying anything online – especially if the product is Amazon fulfilled. However, if you want to go with another website, such as an online jewelry store, do the necessary research and make sure the site is safe. Even with the price differential, wedding rings are still an expensive purchase! Try to only buy rings that come with an authenticity certificate.
• How it’ll look on your hand – Some people need to try out clothes and accessories and see how they look on them, before they can make a decision. Unfortunately, that will be a problem online. It can be done with a bit of creativity, or you can always return a ring if you decide it doesn’t look that great on your hand, but it will make online shopping a slow, inconvenient process.
• Missing out on discounts – Prices fluctuate a whole lot online, so it might happen that a few days after you place your order, the price of the item you ordered drops by a couple of percents. Or you might find a coupon that you could’ve used, had you known about it. To prevent this from happening, you can use a price tracker such as CamelCamelCamel, and/or coupon finders such as Honey.

Reviews of Amazon Wedding Rings

Let’s hear the opinions of some people who bought their wedding (or engagement) ring online.

Review #1

Andrew Emerson Ryan, 25-year-old CNA from Spokane, WA says: “I bought my wife's engagement ring online for about $680. I really enjoyed the experience, because I was able to customize the ring so it suited my wife and made her happy, all without breaking the bank. I feel like if I’d gone to a store I would’ve been shown a lot of options I did not want to choose, and ultimately I might’ve been unsatisfied with the ring I ended up picking.

“I was able to customize the ring to my own specifications that I knew my wife would like. I went with a ring that had exclusively colored stones in it. I chose aquamarine accents because my wife likes blue and green. The center stone was a mint Swarovski zirconia, and I decided on 14k yellow gold for the whole setting.”

Would he recommend buying a wedding ring online? “Yeah,” he responded. “Buying online allows you to customize exactly how you want, without looking at any options you don't want to or feeling pressured to make choices that don't seem ideal.”

Review #2

Joe, a 29-year-old businessman from Kearney NE says: “The ring I bought costs $159.20, though I happened to catch them doing a sale so I got a decent discount on it. The ring is Titanium, with a carbon-fiber interior that glows once it absorbs UV light. They also had copper, gold, silver, stainless steel, and some non-metallic options. My fiancée (and soon-to-be-wife) said she loves it.”

When asked about his experience buying a wedding ring online, he said: “I had an excellent experience. The hardest part was getting both of us sized – for which we had to go to a jeweler. Other than that, it was great. It arrived promptly. No-fuss, no issues needing returns, just a quality product that’s served me well over the past year.”

Now that you’ve saved yourself some time and effort, in addition to a considerable sum of money, you can buy something useful with it! Treat yourself, take your partner out on a date, or spend the extra money on a fantastic proposal. After all, even if she knows what the ring will look like, she has no way of knowing what else you’ve got in store for the special day!

Robin is a writer and researcher for Global Serendipity, an online shop that features one-of-a-kind jewelry from around the world.

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is made with 92.5% pure silver and is considered to be a precious metal. Silver plating is made with 0.15 to 0.2 mils of sterling silver over a base metal, often brass or copper. Unlike silver plating, 925 silver will never flake. Properly cared for, it will last for generations.

So, how do you keep your new 925 silver jewelry looking splendid for many years? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Keep It Dry

The fastest way to tarnish your jewelry is by exposing it to moisture and liquids, including showers, hot tubs, cleaning products, high humidity, sweat, lotions, makeup, hairspray, and perfume.

Instead of memorizing all these items, just get in the habit of donning your jewelry last, after you've gotten ready. And, when heading out to the gym, for a run, or a walk in the rain, leave your gold jewelry at home or in a secured locker.

2. Store It Correctly

I personally think it's a drag laying my head on the pillow and realizing that I still have my earrings on. So, besides my regular jewelry case, I keep a little box with a lid on my nightstand, so I can just roll over and place my earrings (or other jewelry) in it. During those hard-won 8 hours, the oils and heat your body produces can tarnish jewelry that is touching your skin.

But, in general, the absolute best way to store your jewelry is in individually sealed bags (like Ziploc) to prevent scratches by other jewelry, and putting them in a cool place (box, drawer, case whatever) but not the fridge, which might produce too much humidity.

3. Clean It Carefully

Only clean jewelry when it is visibly dirty or tarnished. Just wipe it gently with a jewelers or microfiber cloth. If it needs more attention than that, put a drop of a gentle dishwashing liquid in a cup of warm water. Carefully swish the jewelry around for a minute or less, then wipe it with the cloths mentioned above.

Never, ever wipe jewelry with paper products as they will cause fine scratches. Sidepoint: You'll probably run across some articles that recommend using a toothbrush and baking soda to clean jewelry - utter disaster! Baking soda (besides in cooking) is used to abrasively clean things.

© 2021 Robin Young

Andrea has been an online writer for 8+ years. She mostly writes about dating, couples, weddings, travel, interior design, and gardening.

Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring

Easily one of my favorite parts of getting engaged and wedding planning was picking out the rings. I highly recommend going to a ring store together with your partner and picking out the rings you like before the proposal.

It can be exciting to pick out a ring for your partner by yourself, but there is the risk that they might not like the ring you picked out for them and they might not tell you! (Because they love you.)

You can make this experience fun. If you have been talking about getting engaged, your future, and have been dating for awhile, you could surprise your partner with a trip to a ring shop to do some browsing. This is the way my boyfriend and I handled this relationship milestone.

First, let's talk about money.

• Save up your money, so you know you can get them the rock of their dreams. Rings are expensive. Most places will let you buy rings in installments.
• How much money should you save? There are a ton of variables to that, but I would save $1,500-3,000. Any money not used can go into a fund for the wedding or a house down the road. It's not going to hurt you to save money, that's my point.
• The average cost of an engagement ring is $5,500. This is fairly high; keep in mind some rich people spend as much on a ring as others do on sending their children to college.
• You can find a ring for $1,000 or less. You'll have less options.
• There are other things you can do in place of rings, like ring tattoos.
• The general rule of thumb for a ring is two months of salary. If you make $1,000 a month, you want to save $2,000 for a ring. (Again, whatever you don't spend, you can save it for other big ticket items down the road.)
• Your ring consultant will ask you what is your budget. The consultant should stick to that range.
• Ring stores do have discounts and sales, so keep an eye out for those. 10% off an engagement ring can be a decent chunk of change. There are generally Christmas and Valentine's Day sales.

Before You Go Shopping

If you get an early heads up that you're going to do ring shopping, I recommend getting a manicure or trimming your nails.

Your hands will be under lights that will make everything about them pop. I recommend clear fingernail polish and not color as it could make things distracting. You may want to try looking at colorful gems, and your nail polish may make you question what you want.

Also, exfoliate your hands and put lotion on them. You don't want your hands looking dry like an alligator.

Don't wear other rings with you while shopping. You may compare your ring to that one or you may find your old ring kind of ugly under all the professional lights. Also, avoid bracelets and watches.

The ring shop will have tools to measure your ring finger and help you get the correct size. You want a ring that has a little bit of room to it. You shouldn't struggle to get it past your knuckle. You don't want it tight, especially if you're a woman and plan to have children. Weight gain is a likelihood throughout a marriage.

Turn Ring Shopping/Browsing Into a Date

Looking at rings is a romantic experience. It's fun to think about how someone might propose to you. Ring shopping makes for a perfect date night. Look at rings, maybe buy one, and go out to eat at a nice restaurant. It's time to talk about your future and dream big.

You should celebrate that your relationship is progressing and that you're both happy with each other. If you like champagne, get champagne. If you like steak, get steak.

Also, planning a date as a surprise for ring shopping should come off romantic and charming.

• You should tell your partner you're going out for a nice date at a restaurant and to wear one of their favorite outfits, but nothing too flashy. It's a lot easier when you're trying on rings to see how it looks on you when you wear something that shows off your personality. (This isn't the time for sweatpants, hoodies, and crocs.)
• Before going ring shopping, you might want to try getting your partner to think about rings. Some stores have online quizzes that help people to identify what they want in a ring. You might try getting them to take those quizzes, or ask them questions about their ideal ring. A smart partner should immediately know where this is going.
• When shopping for a ring, don't call anything ugly or gross looking. Try to be respectful of the store. Give gentle nudges in the right direction, because it's not unheard of to try on 60 different bands. You want your partner to be in control of picking their ring. It's a big decision. If all goes well, your partner will wear the ring for the rest of her life!

A Quick Guide on Ring Styles, Metals, and Gems

Ring shopping can take a long time. Expect to take an hour or more looking at different bands and gems. Your ring consultant will try to help you find the right style. If you have any questions, go ahead and ask because they are the expert.

I want to help you navigate through this process with ease. It's definitely an exciting time in your life. Below I have listed some of the more common styles for ring bands and gems.

Popular Ring Band Styles

• Solitaire: one stone in the design. Simple and elegant.
• Cluster: several smaller stones to create the same effect as a larger diamond. Can also be called illusion rings. These are generally cheaper than the solitaire.
• Pavé: gems or tiny diamonds embedded into the band of the ring.
• Cathedral: the metal of the shank and shoulders curve up to support the main gem. The arches resemble the structure of a Cathedral.
• Halo: a row of smaller pave-set diamonds creates a border for the central stone.
• Oval halo: the diamonds look bigger, but things don't look overdone.
• Bezel engagement ring: the gem is set in place with a metal border instead of raised on prongs. There is less risk of the stone getting scratched or falling out.
• Trilogy: band for three stones which represent the past, present, and future. Personally, I think a trilogy ring works better for an anniversary gift decades into a marriage.
• Double diamond style: represents both you and your partner.
• Eternity band engagement ring: formed with an unbroken chain of diamonds.
• Flush setting ring: the diamond is set in the band, so its surface doesn't protrude out.
• Tension setting engagement ring: pressure holds the stone between two halves of the shank. It appears to be suspended. It is only suitable for tough stones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc.
• Baroque engagement ring: jewelry known for being elaborate, artistic, and decorative. Think ornate and opulent.
• Swirl engagement ring: a beautiful, unique design. It creates a fluid effect. The metal seems to swirl around the jewel. Some see the ring as two pieces coming together to make one whole: it represents you and your partner.
• Bombe engagement ring: curved shape with a dome. Uses a large amount of metal.
• Ballerina engagement rings: inspired by the shape of dancers' tutus.
• Etched engagement ring: designs like swirls, ropes, leaves, flowers, and the like. These look romantic, charming, spring like, and creative.
• Serpentine rings: think snake like with tiny diamonds all over it.
• Geometric engagement ring: think square or triangular. These make a bold statement.
• Minimalist engagement ring: just a simple gold or silver band. Common for rings for men.

Ring Materials

• Platinum was popular until the 20th century. It was taken off the market for military use in wars. Platinum has resurfaced as a top choice in the past few years. Fun fact: most British Crown jewels are made of platinum.
• Gold has always been desired for engagement jewelry. Most people will likely pick from gold yellow, white gold, or rose gold for their band. It's best to try on different bands to see what works with your skin tone.
• Sterling silver is one of the more affordable metals. Sterling silver is a mix of silver and copper or other metal to make it durable. It can get scratched and marked easily.
• Cobalt is a natural white alloy. It was created for medical and space items. It is about four times harder than platinum. It is exceptionally durable.
• Stainless steel, it's not just for your kitchen but also your finger. It is strong, durable, and affordable. It also looks modern.
• Titanium is lightweight. For people not used to wearing jewelry it can be refreshing compared to silver or gold.
• Tungsten is four times harder than titanium. Tungsten has a hard-looking shine. It is hypoallergenic. Little maintenance is required for the band. It cannot be resized.
• Wood is also a popular option, especially for men looking for something more earthy or rustic. Wood bands typically don't cost as much as metal.

Gem Shapes

Gems come in a variety of shapes. You don't necessarily have to get a diamond for your main gem. A colorful sapphire or ruby can look exquisite in a ring. Color makes a ring pop.

• Asscher / Square Emerald cut: it's a hybrid of a princess and an emerald cut. It has cropped corners along its four sides. It has levels, essentially.
• Baguette: long and rectangular, and reminiscent of the famous French bread. It was popular during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements.
• Briolette: a pear or a drop shaped stone. It is the most difficult shape to cut. The shape is popular for chandeliers.
• Buff-top: combines elements of the classic cuts and cabochon. The top is domed like a cabochon; the bottom has facets. It is popular in men's jewelry.
• Cabochon: a polished gemstone without any facets. It has a flat bottom and a rounded top. It is generally oval shaped. The style was popular in ancient Greece and Rome. It surged in popularity in the 13th and 14th centuries.
• Cushion: a basic square shape with rounded corners. It may also be referred to as the pillow cut.
• Emerald: shaped like a rectangle from the top with trimmed corners. It has fewer facets than round or square cuts. The gem's emphasis is on the clarity and color.
• Heart: it's exactly what you'd expect, a heart shaped gem. Symmetry plays a big role in this stone. It is popular for earrings, pendants, and gemstones. It is rarely used for engagement rings.
• Marquise: also called Navette Cut. It was cut to reflect the most light. It is football shaped. It was commissioned by King Louis XIV of France to present to Marquise de Pompadour. He wanted it to resemble her smile. It is flattering and makes the finger look longer and slimmer.
• Octagon: the stone is crafted with rows of wide, flat, concentric facets that resemble steps.
• Oval: an elliptical shape viewed from the top. It was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the late 1950s. It is a hybrid of the marquise and round. One famous oval cut engagement ring is the 12 carat sapphire ring Kate Middleton received from Prince William, which belonged to his mother Princess Diana.
• Pear: it is also considered a teardrop. It is a hybrid between the oval and marquise. Most women wear the gem pointing toward their fingernail.
• Princess: square in shape. It is the second most popular cut behind the Round Brilliant. It was created in 1979. The square cut retains 80% of the rough gemstone.
• Radiant: a combination of the princes and cushion cut. It has straight lines instead of curves.
• Round: also called "Round Brilliant", "American Ideal" or "American Standard". It is the best at capturing a stone's brilliance and sparkle. It was originally developed exclusively for diamonds, but it is now widely used for other gems.
• Trillion / Trilliant: triangular in shape. It will show more dust and dirt because of its shape. It minimizes waste of the rough gemstone during the cutting process. This shape is for someone who is edgy and unique.

© 2021 Andrea Lawrence

Serena is a digital nomad who writes about work, emotions, and self-improvement.

When you put together an outfit, it’s really the small details that pull it all together and make it a cohesive and unique look. One detail that is important to get right for your everyday outfits is jewelry! When adding jewelry to your outfits, there are ways to make it look awesome—and ways that don’t work so well. Let’s go through a couple of guidelines you should follow in order to style your jewelry items correctly with your outfit.

1. Create Layers With Necklaces and Bangles

Let’s start with something exciting and fun! While you put an outfit together and you notice there is room to add some extra bling, it can be a fun idea to layer either your necklaces or bangles that you wear.

Layering means adding multiple elements of the same jewelry type to make a dynamic look. For example, you can try adding a short gold necklace with a medium-sized gold necklace to your outfit to create some sophistication! This creates the illusion that the necklaces work together as one jewelry piece. You can do the same with bangles by wearing a couple of different bangles on your wrist to add some flare to the fit! The trick here is to be consistent with the elements of the jewelry when layering.

2. Mix Metals

If you want to experiment with something new, try mixing metals when styling your jewelry. A good way to start is trying to add together different bracelets, rings, or bangles with different colored metals until you find the right fit. You can also try wearing one combined piece to start (a necklace piece or bracelet piece with multiple metals in it) so that the mixing is done for you. Look out for a store that has a sale on rings or a discount on bracelets to start out.

3. Use Earrings for a Pop of Color

Another great way to style your jewelry is by putting on some earrings for a pop of color. Earrings can really pull together an outfit with minimal effort. When finding new earrings to add to your collection, think about how the different colors can compliment your skin tone and make your outfits pop. Picture your closet in your mind—what types of colors are in your closet the most? If you wear a lot of red, opt for some sparkly red earrings, and you might be surprised with how they level up your look!

4. Know When It’s Too Much

Sometimes it's easy to go overboard with jewelry, especially when trying out new ways to style pieces together. Try to avoid this mishap at all costs! Always check your full outfit in a mirror before you get going to make sure you aren’t overdoing the bling. Make sure that your jewelry is still a compliment to your outfit and not the centerpiece of it. Always go with what makes you feel the most confident, and don’t wear anything that will make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. If you feel good with the jewelry you choose, it will show!

5. Personalize With Statement Jewelry

When wearing a rather simple or neutral outfit, it is a good opportunity to style it with a statement piece. This is a jewelry piece that stands out as unique or a little different, pulls the outfit together, and of course, makes a statement! The trick here is that the outfit will probably feel bland without it. If you are feeling bold, try personalizing your outfit with a statement piece for a fresh new look.

6. Wear Minimal Jewelry With Patterned Clothing

When you are wearing animal print, stripes, stars, polka dots, etc., always remember to wear minimal jewelry. You don’t want to overload your outfit with too much when you are wearing patterns, so leave the patterned clothes as the center of your outfit rather than distracting it with too much jewelry. Styling jewelry pieces should always be a compliment rather than a distraction from your outfit. Yet, with practice, you will get the hang of it quickly!

© 2021 Serenity

Michelle Jackson has studied art and interior design since 1983. She has attended design school and worked as an artist/visual artist.

Learn How to Spot Fake Native American Jewelry

Somewhere in our family folklore is "Big Mamma," a half Cherokee woman who ruled our family with her demeanor and size (she was over six feet tall). I grew up on stories of the Trail of Tears and tough times. Even today, if you mention any of this to my mother, she will say, "they took our land."

While ancestry.com and 23 and Me sorted out the validity of my heritage, I continue to gravitate toward all things Native American, including my Modoc husband. I've been a cultural artist for twenty years now, traveling the southwest while making Arizona our home.

This week I was glancing through "Native American" jewelry on a popular shopping site, and I realized how many people are selling fake Native American jewelry. From the number of bids these items were getting, it was obvious that people are being taken advantage of in the secondary market. It is also possible that a lack of education exists surrounding Native American jewelry. I’ve been collecting Native American jewelry and art for over 30 years. My deep appreciation for the workmanship, style, and culture that goes into a Native piece has brought me to the knowledge of the origins of this jewelry. To truly appreciate the jewelry, you have to understand the history of the people.

The last great offense against Native Americans is to copy their culture and make their art common, when it is both uncommon and spiritual.

— M. D. Jackson

History of Native American Jewelry

Original Native American jewelry was mostly made out of animal parts or natural elements. Bone, quill, antlers, and stones made up these somewhat primitive adornments. As America was colonized by Europeans, Native Americans traded for the glass beads that are seen in a lot of the earlier bead work pieces. Eventually Native Americans began working with silver coins to make what is now considered “Old Pawn” jewelry. Once laws were put into place to prevent the destruction of currency, silver came up from Mexico and or was melted down from utilitarian items. Early Native American jewelry had very little turquoise and often was unmarked. As Native jewelry became popular for tourist purchase, materials were acquired from all over the world. The beads used in tourist jewelry often came from china or Japan.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a sacred stone to Native Americans. The folk lore surrounding turquoise is that it comes from tears of the Native Americans. Turquoise is also considered a healing stone, thus it was originally hung around the neck to promote healing. The materials used in a Native American piece somewhat date the jewelry as well as determine its value.

Today it is suspected that over 50% of the worlds turquoise jewelry is either other stones (Usually Howlite) dyed a turquoise color or reconstituted turquoise. Natural turquoise crumbles and therefore requires an additive to stabilize it. In older turquoise pieces, the turquoise is stabilized with a type of epoxy and put under pressure. Today lower end turquoise pieces are reconstituted meaning they are the crumbling turquoise mixed with resin or epoxy and then shaped. These pieces often look like plastic and have a warmer feel than the more natural turquoise. Howlite has a chalky look and gray lines. Turquoise has a solid natural deep tone and black lines.

Tiny pieces of turquoise were often mixed with resin to create Native Jewelry with the look of a stained glass window. This type of Native Jewelry is usually considered low end and only valuable if they were silver. Reproduction of these pieces made out of stainless steel were sold to tourists in tourist traps all over Arizona and can still be found there today.

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

— William Shakespear

White Buffalo Turquoise

White Buffalo “turquoise” comes from one mine in Nevada. Technically White Buffalo is not a turquoise although it is stunning in it’s own right without the Turquoise distinction. True white buffalo has a distinct black and white contrast. What is often passed off for White Buffalo is Howlite. Raw Howlite is a white stone with gray lines.

The Indian Crafts Act of 1990

People selling non-native made items as “Native American” are breaking the law. “The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (Act) of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000.

Under the Act, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or officially State recognized tribe of the United States, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian tribe.

The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935. The Act broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. Some traditional items frequently copied by non-Indians include Indian-style jewelry, pottery, baskets, carved stone fetishes, woven rugs, kachina dolls, and clothing.

All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the tribal enrollment of the producers so as not to mislead the consumer. It is illegal to market art or craftwork using the name of a tribe if a member, or certified Indian artisan, of that tribe did not actually create the art or craftwork.” (Department of Interior, 2020, sic).

In other words if you buy a necklace where the claim of Native American artistry is being made, and it turns out to be fake, you can not only get your money back, you can report it.

The Naja Squash Blossom Necklace

One of the most readily identifiable pieces of Native American Jewelry is the Naja at the center of a squash blossom necklace. The Naja is a symbol that was brought to America by the Spanish and dates back to ancient times. The Natives identified the need to sell to their market which at one time was the Spanish, hence the reason these ornate silver necklaces were created.

The squash part of the necklace is a hint to the survival of many North American Tribes. Squash was easy to farm and its name literally means “to eat uncooked”. Squash was a staple of many tribes especially during rough hunting years. Older Squash blossom necklaces have little or no turquoise and often have a cross in the center of the Naja. The turquoise that was used in older necklaces is rough, not smooth.

The Squash blossom necklaces are still in production today. Newer Native artists have created some beautiful pieces of jewelry that are still valuable. The difference is in the price. Newer Squash Blossom necklaces are in the hundreds of dollar range depending on the materials. Old pawn pieces are worth $1000-15,000 depending on the provenance. There are some amazing Native American artists still out there today.

Old Pawn

Old Pawn is a nickname given to Native American jewelry that was created around the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It gets its name from the tendency for Native Americans to pawn pieces of jewelry to Harvey House traders for survival materials such as tools. This should not be confused with Harvey house jewelry. This method of monetary exchange was how some of the more elaborate silver pieces of Native Jewelry transitioned into other places in American culture. At that time these pieces were only worth their silver value and were not appreciated. Just like today many of the old pawn pieces were scrapped to make other popular jewelry of the time thus making the actual old pawn jewelry more valuable.

The Distinction Between Silver Jewelry Styles

Three other types of jewelry resemble old pawn. The first is Fred Harvey jewelry which was created to sell to tourists. Fred Harvey jewelry has a more polished look as it was created through more modern methods. The easiest way to spot these pieces is the stone setting which has a straight edge rather than a zigzag edge. Also the Harvey pieces tend to have native symbols stamped into them, where as old pawn had a primitive style and features nature. The Harvey pieces are also made with thinner silver and so not have the primitive welding you see on Native jewelry.

The second type of jewelry that closely resembles old pawn is jewelry made Mexico. Mexico has been the world’s leading producer of jewelry almost since its discovery. Mexican jewelry artists did not start marking their silver “sterling” or 925 until the 1940’s. This can make it difficult to tell an old pawn piece from a Mexican silver. The styles of tribes tend to cross over and mingle. One distinction is that silver jewelry from Mexico was created differently even if they used some similar designs. Such as Mexican bracelets sometimes have a pin system that joined the pieces giving them more movement than you would see on a Native American piece. The designs on the face of a bracelet made in Mexico are more ornate and contain several types of materials (see Photo). Crosses are more prevalent in the old Mexican jewelry although you will occasionally see them in Native pieces.

The third type of jewelry that resembles Native American is jewelry from the area around India and Tibet. Rings are the most commonly mistaken Indian jewelry item. Silver Tibetan and Indian rings have a strong resemblance to Native American rings. The Indian rings are more often a skinny oval, rather than the rounder oval common in Native jewelry. Indian jewelry also tends to have stones other than turquoise. Indian beaded jewelry is often mistaken for Native American. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is the clasp. Indian pieces use a variety of clasps. Native American jewelry only has two types of silver clasp or sinew. The two types of silver clasps are both open hooks (see picture). Sinew looks sort of like a tan translucent string (see picture). You will never see a claw hook on original Native American jewelry.

Warning Signs of Imitation Native American Jewelry

1. Newer design but not signed
2. Blurry pictures that don’t show the stone quality
3. No picture of the clasp
4. Back of the piece is rough metal with pitting
5. Has brass or other elements inconsistent with Native Jewelry
6. The price is too good to be true
7. The stone is clean without blemishes
8. The piece is created using modern string
9. The stones are cut in an unusual shape (natives only used rounded stones, square stones are a modern cut)
10. You see multiples of the exact same item for sale

Identifying the Maker

The photo above shows three rings. The top ring is a silver ring from a non Native American Artist. That first ring is silver with a semi precious gem. I included this ring to tell you that Native American rings never have an opening behind the stone. If you pick up a ring and it has the opening, it is obviously not Native American. This is a really nice well made ring.

The second ring is a newer Native American ring. You can see the hallmark, it has the solid silver back. It is a solid ring, well made in the old pawn style.

The third ring is brass with a silver plate. It is a tourist ring mass produced using both turquoise and coral chips.

Beaded Earrings

Heishi Necklace

Heishi and Santa Domingo Necklaces

As an Arizona resident I see a lot of Native jewelry in touristy traps. The newest con going is the Heishi or Santa Domingo style jewelry. I would use extreme caution buying one of these pieces. One of the biggest tells of fakes is the clasp. Native Americans do not use claw clasps on their jewelry. Another tell is when one shop has more than one of the exact same style item. Native Americans do not mass produce pieces in that manner. You will not see 25 Heishi necklaces on a rack unless they are imported. The necklace pictured was an assemblage I did myself from online bought materials.

One last thought about this style, Many of the necklaces that are claiming to be Santa Domingo are really imports from India. There are similarities between multi strand Native American and India made necklaces. One thing you will never see on Native Necklaces is brass findings. Brass is a tell that the piece is from another country. True Santa Domingo pieces are never made with jute. Occasionally an older beaded necklace may have a sinew string, it is not jute. Also, almost ALL multi-strand necklaces transition into one strand before the clasp.

Fetish Animal Necklaces

One of the more popular Native American necklaces is the Zuni Animal Fetish necklace.The Zuni believe spirits reside inside the rock. The animal is carved with a distinct purpose and meaning. Consider for a moment how difficult it is to carve stone. Now think about the Zuni people carving fetish animals, it is not a simple undertaking. Zuni necklaces have small animals that are sometimes tough to distinguish with the exception of the tail style. Animals such as the fox, wolf, and badger look very similar.

This brings us to how to spot the fake Zuni animals. It really is simple, the fakes have a lot of detail that is not present in the actual Zuni animals. Intricate details on a fetish scream fake. The materials used are also a giveaway. It is rare to see a fetish animal made out of turquoise because of the crumbly nature of turquoise. Almost all of the turquoise looking fetish animals are Howlite.

Another thing you will not see in original Native American necklaces is stacked fetish animals. I have an impressive bone carved fetish necklace(see picture). The fact that it was not done by a Native American does not diminish its spectacular look. If I were ever to resell it, I would list it simply as bone carved animal necklace, not Native American.

Knowing Native Materials vs. Craft Store Materials

It pays to know your materials. Craft stores sell everything from silver caps to turquoise. One thing that is specific to craft store pieces is round beads. The only round beads you will see on Native jewelry are made of silver. Round turquoise does not exist in Native jewelry. Here again, most round beads are going to be Howlite. Coral beads used will not be round or square either. Beads that are too uniform are a sign that a piece is not Native American. The silver in the necklace pictured is real silver. In fact, the round silver beads are Navajo pearls, however, the rest of the necklace was put together of modern craft store beads.

Modern Native American Jewelry

Obviously Native American jewelry is still being produced today. Modern pieces tend to be marked by the artist and differ slightly from vintage pieces. One of the main distinctions is how the stone is set. as you see in the modern piece above, the stone is set with a straight piece of silver rather than the zigzag setting seen in old pawn jewelry. Although the newer pieces may not contain as much silver, they should still be valued culturally and artistically. I hope this article has helped you to understand the important distinction between imitation and real Native American Jewelry.

Questions & Answers

Question: Are animal fetish necklaces made in silver, or are they only made in stone? I have a silver fetish necklace but is not marked and has hook closure like the one you described. Any info greatly appreciated.

Answer: I have never seen a silver fetish necklace. Fetish necklaces were mostly the Zuni tribe. The Zuni are close to the Mexico border so what happened a lot is that jewelers from Mexico would create pieces that stylistically reflected Native pieces. If your piece is solid silver then it has a silver value regardless of origin. a clue is usually the beads used in between the fetish animals. I would have to see the piece to give you an idea of who made it. If the animals are three dimensional that would be an odd native piece simply because the Natives believe the stone tells them what animal it should be. To have a silver cast animal takes the element of spirit out of the piece.

Comments

Robin on July 25, 2020:

Thank you for a very informative article. I learned a lot.

Liz Westwood from UK on January 29, 2020:

This is a detailed and very useful article. I have learnt a lot from it.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on January 28, 2020:

This was such an interesting article as I didn't know there was so much fake jewelry out there. I am going to check my jewelry as my mother gave me some turquoise jewelry that I think I still own.

You know so much about the American Indian jewelry. I would imagine that took a lot of work on your part. This is an excellent article for future reference.

Andrew has been an Okie for 30 plus years. He has spent the majority of that time complaining about things.

What Is My Jewelry Worth?

You have probably, at some point in your life, come across a piece of jewelry and wondered what it was worth. It could be something you found, something you inherited, or even something you bought on a whim.

Everyone seems to understand that some jewelry can have value and some of it is worthless. It is important to understand the attributes that make each piece valuable. Learning what to look for will make it so you can sell it with confidence, knowing that you are going to be getting the best deal.

Everything you need to find out what your Jewelry is.

What a Stamp or Hallmark Means

Jewelry can be made of a variety of different materials, but most often, it's silver or gold. But just because something has a gold stamp on it doesn't mean it is pure gold or even has any gold value at all.

Most pieces will have a stamp on them. Take, for instance, a ring. A ring will usually have a stamp in tiny engraved letters on the inside of the band. This stamp is going to be your single best resource for finding out what the value of the ring is. You may need a magnifying glass to decipher what exactly it says after you have located it.

The stamp or hallmark will usually tell you a few things. It can tell you the material the band is made out of and who made it. As you can imagine, the value of your piece will depend heavily on what karat it is and, therefore, how much gold is in it. There are also other things you may want to look out for along the way. You may see some of these stamps with something else accompanying it. It is important that you learn some of the most prominent. Here a few of the different stamps you may find and what they mean.

Stamps and Hallmarks

• 925: Sterling Silver
• 10k: The ten karat stamp is the most common gold percentage and signifies that the piece is 41.7 percent gold. If you spend any significant time around jewelry, you are going to see this number over and over again. It is the industry standard for gold.
• 14k: The 14 karat stamp represents a piece that is 58.7 percent gold. 14k is also a very popular karat for jewelry. You will see this one often.
• 18k: 18 karat is 75 percent gold and represents one of the rarer stamps that you will see.
• GF, GP, GPE, GEP: This can mean gold filled or gold electroplated. These are two production methods in which the amount of gold used is greatly reduced, and therefore, the value is greatly reduced. The secondary market for items that are gold filled or electroplated is almost non-existent. These items often have almost no value.

It is important to note that if anything is marked as a higher karat gold, you need to proceed with caution. Gold is malleable and very soft. If you come across an item that is marked or advertised as 24k gold, it is important to note that it is probably 24k gold filled or gold plated, will be significantly less valuable than something that is pure gold.

Pure Gold Content Percentage by Karat

Where to Sell Your Jewelry

You have a few options when it comes to selling your jewelry.

• Sell it online via a website like eBay or Facebook.
• Sell it to a jewelry store or pawn shop.
• Sell it through consignment at some of these places.

All of these options can be good ones, depending on the price of the item and the timeline in which you need the cash.

Jewelry With Gemstones

Many pieces of jewelry will also have stones set in gold or silver. These stones can vary wildly in price. Two stones that look identical to the naked eye can have small but significant differences. The value of gemstones are much more difficult to determine than gold or silver.

It is always best to get these items appraised by a jeweler who has the specialty equipment necessary to determine the overall quality and assess the value. Unless you have stones that reach into the larger sizes, your average piece of jewelry is going to maintain its worth from its precious metal.

Pawn Shop

They are on every corner in most major cities. Pawnbrokers can be a great way to get rid of unwanted items.

The pro of using a pawn shop is that you will get your money right away. You will more than likely walk in with the item and walk out with cash. As far as ease of obtaining cash, this is about the best way. You will also have the option of borrowing money against it and getting it back later if that is something that interests you. However, there are some pretty serious downsides.

The cons of using a pawn shop are that you aren't going to get what it is worth, and the amount you get can vary wildly from shop to shop. There is absolutely no obligation to sell, so it doesn't hurt to walk into a local shop and see how much they would offer you.

Selling Jewelry Online

You always have the option of selling an item via Facebook marketplace or on eBay. These are probably the places you are going to get the most money. The problem is that you are going to have to deal with inquiries about the item yourself, and it may take some time to sell it. You may also have a large number of people who give you offers significantly lower than the asking price.

The process of selling things online can be tiring, but if you have the time and patience, it is often the best way to make the most money. With services like eBay, you need to be careful that you don't get scammed. Use common sense when it comes to offers you receive.

Consignment

Many pawn shops and jewelry stores will offer to sell your items for you, but they take a cut. This is called consignment. This process can take a long time, but it will usually result in more money in your pocket. Additionally, when using this method of selling, you won't be responsible for answering questions and taking the time to show the piece like you would if you were selling it yourself. The shop that sells an item for you will take a cut, often as high as 40 percent.

You need to have a conversation with whatever shop you go with about your expectations of how much you want for the item. This is the time to be stern and clearly state the minimum you are willing to take for the item.

Gold Melters

If the item you have derives the majority of its value from its silver or gold content, then you could look into taking it to a gold buyer. These businesses are designed to buy gold from the public to be melted down and sold elsewhere or in different forms. This can be another valuable asset in your journey to sell your jewelry.

Like a pawn shop, they are going to be able to give you cash fast. Almost always the same day, and usually within minutes. This is a good option if your timeline of needing money doesn't allow for selling it yourself or using a store to sell via consignment.

These places, however, are not going to give you much, if anything, for any stones associated with your piece. So if it is all gold, this may be a great option. But if your item derives much of its value from the gemstones, it's not the best option for you.

Carefully Choose Where You Sell Your Jewelry

Selling your old stuff can be a headache. If you take the necessary steps and view all your options, you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

Don't be afraid to go to multiple stores and hear several different offers before making your decision. Never go with the first offer, always check around. It will only cost you time, and you could end up netting significantly more.

I always recommend people clean their items before they sell them. These are wipes I have found worked very well during my time in the business.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Jameel Evans is a professional content writer, ghostwriter and freelancer currently based in London.

Diamonds are the traditional stone to have in wedding rings. They are also highly touted as being incredibly beautiful and rare. That isn't strictly true. Whilst many people enjoy the sparkle of a well-cut diamond, they aren't exactly stunning except for their size. Many other stones glitter just as enticingly whilst providing viewers with an alternative to the plain, boring clear diamond. As for rarity, an estimated 70% of all diamonds available on the market have been grown in a laboratory.

That's the thing about diamonds; they are simple to create and geologically speaking, plain and boring compared to the many different minerals and precious gems known to man. Here are 5 of the most stunning alternatives to diamonds.

5 Alternative Stones to Diamonds

1. Sapphire
2. Emerald
3. Alexandrite
4. Jadeite
5. Amethyst

1. Sapphire

Sapphires are a precious gemstone, a variety of corundum, which is a mineral formed mainly of aluminium oxide. Sapphires can be found and mined worldwide, but the most stunning stones appear to come from the general Middle East/ South West Asian regions, with Sri Lanka being the globe's largest producer.

Sapphires come in a range of colors and are available in blues, purples, greens, yellows and oranges. Startling red sapphires also occur but are called rubies instead, even though they are geologically and chemically speaking, the same stone.

Sapphires have long been admired for the soft beauty of the cut and polished stones. They are a common adornment in many types of jewelry and can provide a stunningly refreshing change from diamonds.

2. Emerald

Emeralds have long captured the human imagination ever since this vivid green gemstone was first discovered. A type of beryl, emerald has been mined since the time of the pharaohs and is widely available today.

Emeralds come in a few shades, with essences of blues and purples and even yellows mixed in with the dominant green.

Whilst emerald crystals can also be cultivated in a lab just like diamonds, the synthetic emerald lacks the luster and shine of their naturally formed counterparts. As a result, emerald is less readily available than some other gems but no less alluring for it.

3. Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a gem that most people will not have heard of. They were first discovered in 1833 and are mostly found solely in Russia, although they have been mined in the gem-mines of Sri Lanka, India and Tanzania. What is especially interesting about alexandrite is that the gemstone can change color. Not like a chameleon does, but the color of the gem changes depending on the kind of light illuminating it. This is starkly different from gems of say, opal, which can change color depending on the angle you look at them.

This interesting quirk, combined with the fact that alexandrite is rarely found in large quantities, makes alexandrite a rare and expensive addition to any jewelry box. But with its unique color-changing properties, it is bound to draw more than a few admiring gazes.

4. Jadeite

Jadeite is the rarest and purest form of the more common jade. Jadeite also possesses a much larger range of colors, including yellow, red, black. Green is still the most common shade available, similar to jade, although the green of jadeite is much more vivid. Jadeite has played a long and significant role in Chinese history and culture. In the ancient empires of the East, it symbolized prestige and status and was valued higher than gold or other precious gems.

Jadeite gems may be the most pricey on this list, and also the least shiny. Jadeite is more of a reserved gemstone. From afar, the stones will not appear to be especially glamorous; it is only when one comes closer that their true mysterious beauty becomes apparent. A mesmerizing and fascinating alternative to the cold, vapid sparkle of diamonds.

5. Amethyst

The soft, lavender hue of an amethyst crystal has been admired since the dawn times. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz crystals that can be found throughout the world. It has been mined and worn in jewelry since the beginning of time. The ancient Greeks believed this purple stone would cure drunkenness, and often had it carved into mugs or just worn on their body. It is from this belief that amethyst gets its name.

Whilst these purple-pink crystals are commonly available and the cheapest by far of all precious and semi-precious stones on this list, they are still beautiful replacements for white diamonds. When cut and polished properly, common amethyst attains a lustrous gleam and shine that is matched by few other stones. Combined with its uniquely purple hue, it is not hard to see why amethyst has been coveted by people for so long.

© 2019 Jameel Evans

I purchased my ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, but before I did so, I did some research. Here is what I found out.

How Do Ultrasonic Cleaners For Jewelry Work?

Before I purchased my ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, I did some research. I wanted to know how they worked if they worked, and what you could put in them. I can share with you what I found out, and the do's and don’ts of cleaning.

Ultrasonic cleaning reaches into small cracks and crevices and lifts dirt, grime, and oil away. The machines produce micro-bubbles by creating bursts of positive and negative waves in the water. The pressure from the waves causes the bubbles to grow, and once the bubbles reach a certain size, they collapse. When the bubble collapses, energy releases from it. When the bubble collides with the jewelry, the power is released, knocking the debris loose. It is a combination of heat, pressure, and force that work together to clean out the nooks and crevices. Once the machine stops, and the solution stops moving, the grime will settle, and the oils will float on top.

Are Ultrasonic Cleaners Safe for Diamonds?

Yes. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for diamond rings and other diamond jewelry. Diamonds are extremely hard. They have the highest rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Diamonds are rated a 10, which is the highest rating.

Cubic zirconia, CZ rings, or CZ stones can safely be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. This stones Mohs rating is 8 to 8.5. Hard stones cleanup well. Other examples of hard stones are sapphires, garnets, rubies, and topaz.

Precious metals such as gold, white gold, silver, and platinum are safe to clean. Glass, plastic, and Pandora type charms are fine as long as the bracelet does not have any leather on it. More on that on the next segment.

What Not to Put in the Machine

It is not a good idea to put any jewelry that has a loose setting in it because the waves may knock them free.

Diamonds that have been artificially colored and treated may not fair well in the machine. Color-treated diamonds have a coating that brings out color while hiding flaws. The coating is a thin layer of a plastic solution or certain chemicals can be used to create the effect. The process is labeled as HPHT, which stands for High-Pressure, High-Temperature. Some of the colors produced are yellow, green, blue, and pink. Naturally occurring colored diamonds do exist. However, they are extremely rare and extremely expensive.

Even though emeralds are a reasonably hard gem (they are rated 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), they should not be put in the cleaner. Emeralds are full of tiny fractures, and the vibrations from the cleaner can crack the fractures further and weaken the stone. It is probably best just to gently wash and wipe emeralds.

Amethyst can be filled with cracks. So you may want to have a jeweler take a look at your amethyst stones and advise you whether or not it is safe to put them in.

Do not put leather in it. Soft stones and gems should not be put in the cleaner. For example, opals, pearls, mother of pearl, turquoise, amber, coral, onyx, and obsidian. Watch the video below on how to clean nature gems like pearls.

How to Clean Pearls

Will It Work on Silver?

This was one of the most interesting facts I found out. Ultrasonic cleaners only remove oil and dirt. They do not remove tarnish. So technically, yes, the cleaner can clean the silver, but it cannot remove tarnish. Tarnish is a chemical reaction on silver that needs to be polished away. I can tell you shiny silver bracelets clean up nicely.

I have an update on cleaning silver jewelry. After you remove the tarnish and you have cleaned the silver jewelry, store them in specially designed baggies to help prevent them from becoming tarnished again. Then I just clean them in the sonic cleaner from time to time. It is a lot easier to maintain them.

The silver jewelry baggies I use do corrosion intercepting. They work really well. The bracelet and charms have not tarnished since I have started keeping them in the baggies. Bonus: the gold coloring backing the bag turns black when the bag can no longer protect the jewels from tarnish. A chemical process is being prevented from happening with the substance in the baggies. It is nontoxic.

What Liquid or Solutions Can You Use?

I chose a water ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. I did not want to have to buy anything extra, and water is pure, no chemicals, but I still have the option of adding in an extra cleaner if I need to. The cleaners do not have to be anything special or expensive.

An additional helper you can add is dish soap. It’s cheap (just use one or two drops), everybody has it, and it’s great for busting up grease. Give everything a quick rinse when you pull it out of the machine.

I have not tried ammonium or vinegar. Consult your instructions.

How Long Should You Leave the Jewelry in?

The first one I purchased had five different timer settings from 90 seconds (Yes, seconds!) to 8 minutes. The five settings are 90 seconds, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, and 8 minutes. The manufacture’s standard setting is 3 minutes or 180 seconds. It seems to work fine, but you can always spin it again if it is not clean. The second one I purchased (notes below) started at 5 minutes and could run all the way to 25 minutes.

An important thing to note is after it is finished, you need to let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes. This gives time to let the dirt and grime to settle.

Other Uses

To my surprise, there are many other things you can throw in there. They just have to fit in the basket and be of acceptable material. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, waterproof watches, combs, electric shaver heads, toothbrushes, dentures, razor blades, coins.

After experiencing how easy, fast, and the fantastic cleaning job they do, I got a large ultrasonic cleaner. My original one held 20 ounces or 600 MLS. It measures 5 1/2 inches long by 4 inches wide by 2 inches high. My large capacity one, which I use for a lot more than jewelry and it is way more roomier, holds 84 ounces or 2.5 liters. It measures 9 1/2 inches long by 6 inches wide by 3 inches high. As I mentioned earlier, the timer starts at 5 minutes and can go up to a blasting 25 minutes.

I love them because they clean so easily. Once you start cleaning things with them, you’ll find tons of things to put in them. The fact that you don’t need any chemicals or cleaners is an added bonus.

Jewelry Steam Cleaner Vs. Ultrasonics

Steam is water that has been heated until it becomes pressurized. The steam forces and blasts the dirt and oils away. Steam will leave your jewelry sparkly clean, and it does not use any harmful chemicals. It is a “green” way to clean.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is it ok to put white sapphire rings in the ultrasonic cleaner? I'm having the worst time getting it clean!

Answer: I would check with a jeweler because some of them may be heat-treated which may change their hardness. Hope that helps.

© 2018 Lora Riley

Comments Welcome

Billie Jones from Sydney on May 15, 2019:

I have some doubts about Ultrasonic Cleaners being safe and effective. When reading it “reaches into small cracks” – I was shocked. I understand it was said about the dirty, not about the material. However, I can stop making an analogy and questioning its effect on gold, aurum, and diamonds. It should be a quite challenging experience. I would not risk, especially with the wedding rings like https://www.gsdiamonds.com.au/wedding-rings/ I am going to wear during my whole life. Sure, I know that the wedding rings require thorough cleaning but it is better to look for safer ways. Who has used this mega cleaner? Could you share your feedback?

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

The timepiece under discussion was branded in honor of William Gregor, an English Vicar with an interest in chemistry.

William Gregor was born in Cornwall in 1761 and finished his education at St. John’s College. After being ordained in the Church of England, he became vicar of Diptford’s St. Mary’s Church. He married Charlotte Anne Gwatkin in 1790.

After moving his family to the rectory of Creed in Cornwall, William began a chemical analysis of Cornish minerals. In 1791, Mr. Gregor isolated an unknown metal, which he called menaccanite.

Later that year, Martin Heinrich Klaproth rediscovered the mineral, naming it titanium. Although William Gregor was credited for the discovery, Mr. Klaproth’s name stuck.

The Vicar continued his pastoral duties and scientific work for many years. A multitalented man, William Gregor was also a landscape painter, musician, and etcher. He died of tuberculosis in June of 1817.

Description

My new William Gregor automatic arrived enclosed within a large watch box composed of a flexible plastic-like material. When opening or closing, the box emits a satisfyingly loud click. The watch is strapped around a black cushion, and alongside, a spare leather band is tucked into a cardboard insert.

Long after its date of manufacture, the watch case continues to emit a strong chemical odor. Those, like me, with a warped sense of humor, will enjoy the expression on their friend’s faces after they are invited to open the box to examine the timepiece.

The watch’s case is composed of shiny stainless-steel. Its face is black with silver studs indicating the hour positions. A small window on the right side displays the date. All three hands are colored silver with luminous paint coating the minute and hour indicators. A mineral glass crystal hovers above the dial.

Beneath the stainless-steel caseback, sits a Seiko NH35A automatic movement.

The attached steel mesh band is equipped with a folding clasp. A leather strap is also included. This automatic is water resistant to one hundred meters.

The Manufacturer

William Gregor is trademarked by KIN AB of Upplands Vasby, Sweden. KIN AB is a private company that was formed in 1991. Their stable of brands includes William Gregor, Moretime, and UR&PENN.

Information concerning KIN AB is sparse. My expectation is that William Gregor watches are designed in Sweden and assembled somewhere in the Chinese province of Guangdong. Be aware, however, that this assessment is based on conjecture and could be incorrect.

Specifications

Brand: William Gregor

Model: BWG30090-203

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Unknown

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Seiko NH35A

Style: Business

Functions: 12-hour time and day of the month

Features: Second hand rotation can be stopped by fully extending the crown

Band material: Steel mesh band and spare black leather strap

Band width: 22 millimeters

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 41 millimeters

Case thickness: 13 millimeters

Weight: 137 grams (4.81 ounces)

Water resistance: 10 ATM (Suitable for swimming and snorkeling)

Visual Appeal

This William Gregor timepiece features a design that is both traditional and simplistic. Silver studs, positioned atop a black dial, are used as hour markers. At the three o’clock position a larger than normal window displays the date. Silver hands sweep around the dial.

The case and caseback are composed of shiny stainless-steel. Like a Corgeut that I have recently tested, shifting the watch in light will often cause the dial to appear blue. This effect, I assume, is produced by a filter or protective coating applied to the watch’s crystal.

A steel mesh strap came attached to this timepiece. This band is easily adjusted and quite comfortable. A crocodile patterned leather strap of medium quality is also provided.

Accuracy

During a one-week test period, the William Gregor automatic gained an average of 16 seconds per day. Throughout this period, the date indicator reported accurately.

After being removed from my wrist, the watch continued to keep time for an additional 35 hours.

Durability

The stainless-steel case and scratch-resistant crystal combine to provide excellent protection.

This watch utilizes a Seiko 24 jewel NH35A automatic movement. Time can be easily set because the second-hand ceases rotation when the crown is fully extended. Seiko holds a well-earned reputation for quality control.

While not appropriate for scuba diving, the William Gregor’s water resistance of 100 meters ensures it can be worn when swimming or snorkeling.

I fully expect this timepiece’s steel mesh strap will provide yeoman service, for as long as I own this watch.

Overall Impression

The William Gregor BWG30090-203 automatic is a well built, conservatively styled timepiece, which should function effectively for many years. I possess dozens of watches and, sadly, many of them spend their lifespan gathering dust. I, however, really like this automatic and plan to wear it often.

Pricier timepieces come encased within fancy watch boxes and equipped with useful accessories. In the poll below, I am attempting to determine which of these extras are more likely to encourage a potential customer to pull out his wallet.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Two years ago, I dedicated the summer to renovating my garage. I was forced to. It was dilapidated almost to the point of collapse. For the paint, I chose the bright and cheerful Blissful Blue.

I love this color so much so that I chose it again when repainting my kitchen walls. Then—in a textbook demonstration of compulsive obsessive behavior—I purchased a watch simply because the manufacturer picked the same color to accent the dial.

Is the use of Blissful Blue a good reason to buy a watch? Let’s take a close look at Morphic’s M63 Series timepiece and find out.

Description

At 78 grams (2.75 ounces), the M63 Series watch is unusually heavy for a quartz timepiece. This is because it’s Hattori PC32A movement is housed within a large and solid stainless-steel case. A generously sized crown allows adjustments to be performed with ease.

The watch’s bezel is engraved with indications to mark the passing minutes. Although some similarly designed bezels can be rotated, this one cannot.

This timepiece has a diameter of 44 millimeters and is 11 millimeters thick. It comes with a sunken, black colored dial featuring a date indicator at the three o’clock position. Indications and hands are painted light blue.

The Morphic M6301 is fitted with a 22-millimeter-wide, gray leather strap. This watch band is equipped with a stainless-steel buckle marked Morphic.

The Manufacturer

Although Morphic has been in operation since 2012, the company name was first trademarked in 2017 by Jeffrey, Inc. of West Bloomfield, Michigan. West Bloomfield is located within the metropolitan area of Detroit.

Their watches are designed in-house but assembled in China. This is not uncommon. Aside from a few companies in Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, most watches are manufactured in China.

As expected, Morphic watches are sold over e-commerce sites such as eBay and Amazon. However, unlike many of their competitors, Morphic-branded timepieces can also be purchased from retailers such as Sears and Walmart.

I emailed Morphic, requesting information on this timepiece. Their customer service department responded quickly and courteously.

Specifications

Brand: Morphic

Series: M63

Model: M6301

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Hattori (Seiko) PC32A quartz

Style: Casual

Features: Date indicator

Band material: Leather

Band color: Gray

Band width: 22 millimeters

Clasp type: Stainless-steel buckle

Dial color: Black with light blue lettering

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 44 millimeters

Case thickness: 11 millimeters

Weight: 78 grams (2.75 ounces)

Water resistance: 5 ATM (Suitable for swimming but not snorkeling)

Visual Appeal

For this timepiece, Morphic chose a black dial with light blue lettering. While an unusual choice, I find it highly effective. If you do not, there are several distinctive color choices available within Morphic’s M63 Series family.

The dial is protected by a solid, brushed stainless-steel case and surrounded by an immovable but attractively designed bezel.

The M6301’s gray leather strap with its stainless-steel buckle matches the timepiece quite nicely.

Durability

The Morphic M63 Series watch is fitted with a Hattori PC32A. This is a low-end movement but works fairly well and should last for several years. The date indicator changes smoothly with a distinct click, and time can be easily set.

A solid stainless-steel case houses the movement and is capped by a crystal composed of hardened mineral glass.

This watch is equipped with a decent quality leather strap.

Most of the timepieces I review are rated 3 ATM. The Morphic M6301, with its 5 ATM rating, can be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

This offering from Morphic looks great on my wrist, and I wear it quite often. However, although the Hattori PC32A works reasonably well, a timepiece in the two-hundred-dollar range should be fitted with a higher-grade movement.

Water resistance is an important selling point for some brands of watches. The following poll is meant to determine how significant this quality is to the average consumer.

Questions & Answers

Question: How long have you had your Morphic M63?

Answer: I've had mine for nine months. It originally came from Watch Gang and, by coincidence, I've just finished wrapping the watch which I am giving to one of my nephews for Christmas. The Morphic has a very cheerful appearance and I am glad to you like it.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

What Is a Lokai Bracelet?

I want to share my experience of owning one of the very first original white classic Lokai bracelets that came out around 2014. What is a Lokai bracelet and why is it special?

Lokai is a bracelet made of 100% silicon. It has a black bead at one end of the bracelet and a white bead at the opposite end. The black bead holds mud from The Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The white bead carries water from Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth.

In between are beads of varying colors. The original white classic Lokai bracelet has clear beads in between.

Just as every human being has their story in life, so does every creation, invention, and everything that exists. There is a purpose. Lokai bracelets also have a story and a purpose. Understanding and embracing this will make you appreciate and love your Lokai bracelet.

The Lokai Bracelet Story

The name “lokai” is derived from the Hawaiian word “lokahi”, which means “harmony”, “unity”, and/or “to blend opposites”.

The CEO and Founder of Lokai, Steven Izen, came up with the Lokai bracelet idea during a crucial moment in his life when he had to “find his balance” between the feelings of joy, gratitude, and happiness whilst at the same time hopelessness and sadness.

He wanted to preserve these contrasting feelings and memories through a physical object that he could wear. Wearing a Lokai bracelet is a reminder and recognition that life is a cycle of highs and lows, and it symbolizes living a balanced life.

The highest moments of life, joy, gratitude, and happiness are represented by water from the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest. The troublesome and lowest moments of life—sadness and hopelessness—are represented by mud from The Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

In between is where we find the balance when we take our personal life’s journey and write our own story.

Steven also uses Lokai to raise millions of dollars for various charities.

Lokai Bracelet Core Message

Sometimes you’re on top of the world. Stay humble.

Sometimes you’ve hit a low. Stay hopeful.

Find your balance.

Life’s a journey. Lokai exists to help you find balance through the highs and lows.

My Story and Lokai Experience

One of my prized possessions is my original white classic Lokai bracelet. My mom bought it for me on my 18th birthday in 2014. She saw an advertisement on Twitter and purchased one through the company’s website.

For me, wearing the Lokai bracelet is like living by the principles of Lokai. I added my own principles and made it my Way of the Lokai.

I was raised by my grandparents for the first five years of my life. My beloved grandfather, whom I call Awa or Dad, passed on when I was twelve years old. That was too traumatizing for me. This blow to my life was in addition to my parents separating a year earlier that has affected me much.

I felt hopeless and deeply wounded emotionally and heartbroken. I did not go to school for one whole year. I became an introvert and shut myself out from the people and activities around me.

Still carrying this hopelessness around, I went back to school a year later at the insistence of my mom. I did well in school. My academic results were straight A’s and I scored all Distinctions in high school national examinations.

The highlight of my teen achievements was doing well in the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) National Students Convention of the ACE Schools in my country. I was selected to take part in the Asia-Pacific Regional Students Convention in Melbourne, Australia. That was my first travel outside of my country.

I did well there and represented the Asia-Pacific Region at the ACE Schools World Convention at James Madison University, Virginia, U.S.A the following year. I was 15 then. That one month in the U.S. was the very best time of my life.

Even with all this joy and a sense of accomplishment I still felt sad because I could not see and talk to my grandfather. I could not show him the awards and tell him stories about my trip and make him proud. He is not there for me to share this joy, happiness, and all of these small successes with. I love my grandpapa and still miss him so much. May his memory be a blessing.

Things changed when I started wearing the Lokai bracelet and it became a daily reminder to live by its principles. When I have extreme feelings of joy, excitement, sadness, or hopelessness, I would hold the bracelet and visualize.

I did well in Secondary school, again scoring straight A’s in my final examination. I am now in my third year at the University. Even though I’m behind in my schooling by two years, I am grateful. I've found my balance in life.

When I see that the feeling I’m having is like I’m standing on the tip of Mt. Everest and about to fly, I tell myself “Phoebe, you’re about to fall. Calm down! Humble yourself”.

When the feeling I’m having is like I’m stuck in the mud and the very salty water of the The Dead Sea are stinging my eyes and I cry, I say “Phoebe, have hope. It’s the sea of life”.

— Phoebe

My Way of the Lokai

For me, the Lokai is not just a bracelet but a symbolic object that not only helps me find balance through the highs and lows of life, but it represents principles. It helps me to live a certain way of life—the Way of the Lokai.

• Balance: Find that balance when you have extremity of emotions, problems, and challenges.
• Faith: Faith is the evidence of things unseen. Believe that the sun will rise tomorrow with healing in its wings.
• Hope: The Dead Sea is actually called The Sea of Life. Live with the expectation that something good will happen.
• Love: Love yourself and others and embrace the powerful energy of love. Have empathy and give for you shall receive from the abundance of the universe.
• Humility: The meek and the humble shall inherit the earth. Pride goes before fall. The humble shall be promoted. Stay humble.
• Harmony: Be at peace and live in harmony with yourself, your family and the environment. Be authentic. Be who you are.

I hope sharing my Lokai experience and way of life inspires you to find that balance on your personal life's journey and live by the principles of Lokai.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I’m a predictable man. I eat what I like... as long as it can be shoved into a microwave or crammed between two slices of bread. And, while I have access to everything available on television or the Internet, I stick to silly comedies, British detective shows, and science fiction.

I can be identified from a mile away. My closet is full of jeans and plaid shirts, and my display boxes are bursting with big, heavy watches connected to thick leather straps.

Change, however, is well underway. A few weeks back, I bought a pair of brown pants and a red shirt. I don’t think I’ll actually ever pull on the trousers, but the shirt is really nice. I think next week, I might pick up a gray one.

Amid the rows of round-faced watches that comprise my collection is a replica Franck Muller Casablanca. I don’t wear it often, but the sight of this overly gaudy timepiece never fails to bring a smile to my lips. With this in mind, I decided to break tradition and purchase a second rectangular-shaped watch.

After checking out my favorite e-commerce stores, I settled on the sixteen-dollar Chenxi I found on DHgate.

Description

The Chenxi businessman’s watch is quite light, weighing in at only 52 grams (1.86 ounces). This rectangular-shaped timepiece is 35 millimeters across and 11 millimeters thick.

Gold-colored plating is applied to a stainless-steel case. A well-textured, white dial is offset by black Roman numerals. This watch includes a date indicator at the three o’clock position, and a second-hand subdial is located at the bottom.

A Hattori PC21S quartz movement is fitted to this timepiece. Its crocodile-patterned strap is composed of PU leather and equipped with a gold-colored buckle.

The Manufacturer

Chenxi is a common name among Chinese manufacturers. Perhaps it is because if Chenxi is converted to Chinese symbols and then translated into English, the result is "Dawn." That’s a good name for a company.

There are two watch producers using this name. One began operation in 1994. The other, the manufacturer of this timepiece, was started in 2009.

Chenxi was trademarked in 2017 by Hou Junhua. His offices are located at Room 604, No. 27 Hao Jin St., Hai Zhu District, Guangzhou.

Specifications

Brand: Chenxi

Model: CX-063G

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Guangzhou, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Hattori (Seiko) PC21S quartz

Style: Dress

Features: Date indicator and second-hand subdial

Band material: PU leather

Band color: Brown, crocodile patterned

Band width: 24 millimeters

Clasp type: Gold colored buckle

Dial color: White

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 35 millimeters

Case thickness: 11 millimeters

Weight: 52 grams (1.86 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

An exquisitely designed dial and shiny, gold-plated case suggest this Chenxi is a far more expensive timepiece that it actually is. I especially like the tiny, gold-rimmed subdial, which displays the passing seconds.

The crocodile-patterned strap fits well with the overall design and Chenxi equipped it with a gold buckle, which matches the timepiece’s overall design.

Durability

Sixteen dollars is an important price point for Chinese manufacturers. In this range, factories can provide more than just a basic watch. Their timepieces might include a stainless-steel band, extra functions, or a genuine Japanese quartz movement. Brands such as Jaragar or Winner might even be fitted with a low-grade mechanical movement.

When I adjusted the date mechanism, a reassuring series of clicks suggested that I was handling a Seiko product. The Chenxi 063G is, in fact, powered by a Hattori PC21S quartz movement. This is an excellent choice for this price range and should provide long-term, trouble-free operation. The PC21S is actually an upgraded version of the movement fitted to the Maurice Eberle Gambrel.

The stainless-steel case is electroplated with what one vendor describes as rose gold. I’d take that with a grain of salt, but, for sure, it looks really good. Be aware that over time, wear and tear will eventually degrade the coating, and the silver stainless steel beneath will be revealed.

Chenxi equipped this watch with a strap composed of PU leather. PU leather is formed from inner splits of hide that have been covered with polyurethane. While this material looks very leather-like, it is not as durable. If you wear this watch on a daily basis, plan to replace the strap within a few months.

Overall Impression

I really like this timepiece. It looks great on my wrist and arrived fitted with a decent quartz movement. When the attached strap fails, I’ll replace the band rather than throw the watch into my junk drawer. The Chenxi 063G is recommended.

This review recommends the Chenxi 063G despite its low-quality strap. In the following poll, I am attempting to determine how potential customers feel about the construction and quality of watchbands.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Lew is an American expat living in Honduras. A former gold assayer, he is now a photographer and conservator of Central American culture.

At first glance, it is difficult to tell if pieces of vintage jewelry are real gold or plated costume items of no actual metallic value. Some costume jewelry pieces are precious as collector items. Sometimes it is more valuable than gold, but that is not common. There are ways to know the relative value of items without the use of expensive equipment or special expertise. However, there is no way of knowing FOR SURE without a real test made by an experienced technician.

A Few Terms

• Gold Toned: No gold in the item. Just gold colored.
• Gold Plated/Washed/GP: Base metal (copper, brass, pot metal) with a very thin electrically deposited gold coating, sometimes as thin as a few atoms of real gold. It is worthless for its gold content.
• HGE: “Heavy Gold Electroplate." Same as above, but with a little more gold.
• Gold Filled: By law in the US, “gold filled” must have at least twenty percent actual gold content. This is better quality, and it wears and looks like karat gold. Should you ever want to sell the item, it is of no interest to a gold buyer or refiner unless they can get many pounds at a time. They do not wish to deal with eighty percent base metals.
• Karat Gold: “Karat” means the percentage of gold in an item. It is not plated but is the same metallic content throughout. In the US, karat values run from 8K (.333 or 33.3%) through 18K (.750 or 75.0% gold). A few karat gold items will be higher, but by law anything below 8K cannot be called “karat gold."
• Solid Gold: This term does not indicate value or content but says it is the same content throughout the piece. “Solid” is confusing because, like karat gold, it may indeed be hollow.

Next, we’ll explore a few simple indicators that can give at least some idea if a piece is gold or base metals.

1. General Appearance

This is the “Class vs. Trash” test. Because precious metals are expensive, most jewelry makers take a lot more time and care in their fabrication. Step back and take a long look at the piece. Does it give a mental image of richness and class, or is it something for sale on the discount rack?

Here is an example: Below is a simulated-silver earring. It has a very shiny, silvery color and is a good-looking stand-alone piece of jewelry. This is a typical piece of fashion jewelry not meant to deceive anyone as to its metal content.

Below is a sterling silver ring—well-worn, but it still has lots of the original shine. When compared side-by-side, the color difference is obvious. Silver is white, not steel-colored. Although silver polishes to a mirror finish, it still keeps its white color and never shines like a mercury-coated mirror or polished steel. Also, the quality of workmanship just screams “real” even if it weren’t marked.

2. Magnet Test

Some suggest using a magnet to test gold or silver jewelry for authenticity. While any piece that sticks to the magnet is NOT gold or silver, it is not a reliable test. Only ferrous (iron-based) metals are magnetic, and only the most cheaply made fake jewelry consists of coated iron or steel. These are so obvious no test is necessary.

Most simulated gold and silver is made of brass, copper, or other base metals commonly known as “pot metal." These are not attracted to a magnet, so this test won’t work on them. Some pieces are gold-plated sterling silver and may be of value even though they are not karat gold. Be aware, however, that many earring posts, chain clasps, etc., are steel and will be magnetic. If a piece attracts a magnet, make sure it's not just a clasp or post. The rest of the item could be gold.

3. Finish

Because of the cost and value involved, most karat gold and sterling silver jewelry has a better finish than simulations. Also, the finish will hold up even after years of wear.

Gold

Gold, after some wear, will gain a soft glow and feel. This is because it is a soft metal and will soon acquire millions of microscopic scratches, giving it a warm glow, not a harsh shine. This gives old gold a unique and attractive appearance that is hard to mistake. However, good quality gold-filled items may look similar.

Below is a karat gold ring that has gained the soft satin glow. It was cast and finished with care, reflecting the value of its content. Notice the P to the right of the karat stamp. It does not mean “plated” as many people assume, but “plumb." It's a jeweler's term meaning a guarantee by the manufacturer that the item contains at least the amount of gold indicated by the stamp, and never less.

Below, this simulated gold earring was given a shiny lacquered finish. It will look coated and painted forever until the coating cracks and falls away. Side-by-side, there is no comparison.

Gold is often made into thin sheets and stamped, rather than cast into jewelry. It is normally considered far too precious and beautiful to be covered with paint or enamel. Any piece that appears to be gold but is mostly covered with any other material is suspect, such as the piece in the photo below.

Look at the low quality of the casting below. A lot of plated pot-metal castings are rough. It isn’t worth the time and effort to do a time-consuming job on a very inexpensive piece. There was no finishing done to the back of this piece, being plated over the original casting. Another tell-tale sign is the presence of green specks around the base of the post. This is corrosion of the copper or brass underlying base metal. This is a positive clue that the item is not gold. There is no need to test this one.

Though the finish on the karat gold pin below was left rough, the difference is striking.

4. Wear

Look at the edges, bails, and other wear areas for signs of worn-away plating. Look for corrosion on exposed areas, around posts and hinges. Below is a heavy earring, possibly filled with lead for weight. Notice how the plating on the outside of the coils has worn away, exposing the base metal underneath.

The piece below looked great at first glance, but under scrutiny, green corrosion is obvious. A close look under magnification could make or save a lot of money when buying or selling jewelry.

The green is copper or brass. After this close-up, I can’t imagine anyone wants to wear this.

5. Weight

Some dealers suggest weight as a test for gold. While it's true that gold is heavy, nearly twice the weight of lead, this is not a valid indicator unless you can do an actual specific gravity test. Some gold-colored fashion jewelry is heavy to simulate elemental gold. Much karat gold jewelry is hollow, particularly gold hoop earrings, to appear large and showy. A large hoop may be 14K gold but made very thin and hollow, thus weighing nearly nothing.

Weight is not a valid test for the average person.

6. Markings

All precious metal jewelry sold in the US is supposed to be marked with its gold or silver content. Much, however, is imported, and some is hand-cast, thus looking for a marking is not a fool-proof indicator. There are also lots of fake markings, although I’ve found most to be legit. Chains are usually marked near the clasp, rings on the band, but other items could be most anywhere. Also, depending on the age and origin of a piece, the marking may be hard to decipher.

Examples

Here are a couple examples of markings that are not too clear:

417—This could also be marked 417, 41.7 or 10K. It is 41.7% pure gold.

925—This could be marked 925, 92.5, Sterling, or Ster. It is 92.5% pure silver. Not all marks are easy to read!

The Difficult Ones

Here are a few that just don’t fit the mold:

I had serious hopes for the necklace below. It looked good, satin finish, no corrosion, nothing to say it isn’t gold except it is marked 925. It turned out to be gold-filled sterling silver—still valuable, but not gold.

Below is a nice filigree-style earring. It looks superb at first glance. It wasn’t hard to figure this one out, but it looked so good I kept clinging to the hope for gold. It is thin-plated and lacquered base metal.

The chain below is marked 583 and tested 14K, so its marking is correct. The heart pendant has no mark. The piece looks fantastic and I so much wanted it to test real. It did. This pendant is 14K even though it says nothing. Sometimes they turn out OK!

Be a Careful Buyer and Seller

Precious metals are exciting and fun. If you’re buying a jewelry item, you MUST be very careful if you’re not getting it from a reputable dealer. If you’re selling, it helps to have an idea of the quality of your items and the approximate gold or silver content. I hope this gives you an idea of what may or may not be of value.

As an occasional gold buyer, I see a lot of fashion and costume jewelry. Much of it is beautiful, but it’s difficult to tell someone that their grandmother’s favorite jewelry is of value only to a collector.

Comments

amandabur on August 03, 2019:

I was wondering how much a ring is that is 24 karat gold that has two diamonds and inside of it says 24 Karat Limited and has an infinity sign I think or something that looks like that and either is a ruby or a stone like that it looks like the one at the top of your page

Hafeez Ahmad on May 16, 2019:

Nice post i like your post.

Lew Marcrum (author) from Ojojona, Francisco Morazán, Honduras on February 18, 2019:

Hi, John. Sorry, but I have to say I've never seen that mark. It could mean a bit over 18K, or maybe an Italian purity mark, or a maker's mark, or who knows what. I tried to research it also, but my own curiosity got me nowhere.

If it's remarkably heavy for its size, I'd take it to a jeweler and let them decide just what you have. You will know in five minutes, and it probably won't cost you anything.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but good luck.

John on February 18, 2019:

What is 777 on gold necklace/bracelet

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Usually, I stick to large watches with thick leather straps. That’s my style. Once in a while, however, I like to switch things up and strap on something different.

Tevise’s Perpetual Datejust caught my eye. It’s a small automatic equipped with a stainless-steel watch band. Even more interesting was the tiny magnifier, built into the watch’s crystal, which hovered above the date indicator. I decided to give it a try.

Description

Despite its diminutive size, this watch weighs in at 100 grams (3.65 ounces). It spans 38 millimeters and is 13 millimeters thick.

While the case appears convincingly to be composed of stainless steel, it is actually alloy. The watch’s gold-colored bezel surrounds a black dial, helpfully inscribed with TEVISE Perpetual Datejust and Genuine Original Certification. To add flair, faux diamonds mark each hour indicator. Luminous paint is applied to both the hands and markers.

The crystal, enthusiastically termed Synthetic Sapphire by the manufacturer, is composed of hardened mineral glass. A small magnifier, glued to the crystal, hovers directly above the date display.

The stainless-steel caseback includes a window, through which can be viewed the timepiece’s automatic movement.

This watch is equipped with a stainless-steel watch band, color-coded to match the timepiece.

The Manufacturer

Although watches from this company have been available for several years, TEVISE was not trademarked until January of 2017. Tevise is owned by Luo Wei Jun. His office is located in Rm. 604, No. 27 Hao Jin St., Hai Zhu Dist. of Guangzhou.

Oddly, another trademark application was submitted in May of 2017, by Nitin Bhat Single Firm of Delhi, India. This trademark’s status, as you would expect, is recorded as Objected.

The Guangzhou Tevise Watch Company was established in 2012. It is located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, and employs between 11 and 50 people. Tevise is a manufacturer, trading company.

Due to their staffing level, I suspect Tevise designs watches and then contracts its assembly to one of the many watch factories located in Guangdong, China.

Mainly, their timepieces are marketed to customers within North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Specifications

Brand: Tevise

Model: Perpetual Datejust

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Guangdong, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Asian automatic

Style: Dress

Features: Date indicator with magnifier

Band material: Stainless steel

Band color: Silver and gold

Band width: 20 millimeters

Clasp type: Pushbutton deployment clasp

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Alloy

Case diameter: 38 millimeters

Case thickness: 13 millimeters

Weight: 100 grams (3.65 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

With its faux diamonds and overabundance of gold lettering, this Tevise might come across as a bit gaudy. Personally, I like this design, although I would prefer a bezel color to match the timepiece’s case.

Tevise took the trouble to equip this movement with a well-inscribed rotor. This touch provides a pleasing view through the caseback window.

The stainless-steel strap is two-toned and matches well with the overall design of this timepiece.

Accuracy

I tested Tevise’s Perpetual Datejust for one week. During this period, the timepiece gained an average of 18 seconds per day. While I possess several far more accurate watches, an 18-second gain is quite good for a timepiece in the 35-dollar range.

The date indicator can be easily set and advances properly each day.

Durability

Tevise has secured their movement within a solid alloy case. While stainless steel would be preferable, this material seems quite durable.

The heart of any watch is its movement. This automatic appears to be reasonably well designed and manufactured. It starts to tick the moment you pick it up and, while there is a slight lag during adjustments, the minute hand will not waver from its position when the crown is pushed down. Although the Tevise Perpetual Datejust is difficult to wind, this should not present a problem; automatics are normally wound by repeated wrist movement.

This timepiece is equipped with stainless-steel band of better quality than you would expect for a watch in this price category.

Water resistance is rated 3ATM. This watch should not be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Tevise Perpetual Datejust is a modestly priced automatic with better accuracy than many of its direct competitors. If you are in the market for a low-priced mechanical watch and like this automatic’s design, it is worthy of consideration.

There are two basic versions of mechanical timepieces. Some people prefer automatics, others like wind-up watches. The poll below is intended to gauge each type’s relative popularity.

Questions & Answers

Question: What does Tevise mean and what is it's etymology?

Answer: Tevise is simply the name of the watch company. It has no specific meaning. For more information, you are welcome to check their website at: https://tevise.en.alibaba.com/

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on March 01, 2019:

An automatic watch uses the motion of your wrist, over the course of a day, to wind its mainspring. If you do not wear it every day, then, after the spring winds down, it will cease to function.

Cabdi riig on February 28, 2019:

I bought a new whatch tevise t801 when iam not used its automatically not worked what coused

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on December 11, 2018:

Sorry, Adrian. I usually check the reserve energy but, in this particular case, I did not.

Adrian on December 11, 2018:

The reserve energy how long is?

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on November 23, 2018:

It is equipped with an inexpensive Chinese manufactured movement, Clint. I have no idea what factory it came from but this movement is accurate for its price range and appears to be of decent quality. Like you said, this is a pretty nice watch.

clint on November 23, 2018:

I just purchased this exact watch and although i didn't have high expectations, this turned out to be a pretty nice watch. Keeping very good time at this point. Only time will tell how accurate it will be. The movement sure isn't a NH35A since the second hand doesn't stop when pulling out the crown. You have any other thoughts on the movement?

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on February 18, 2018:

Hi Herb:

If you check Amazon (or eBay) you will find several Tevise watches with leather straps. Unfortunately, my understanding is that this that this particular model is equipped only with stainless-steel bands.

Herb on February 18, 2018:

Shilly, I like small watches with leather straps. I find that the larger style watches that are in now feel uncomfortable on my wrist plus the linked bands are usually to large for my wrist. Do you ever run across the smaller style watch face watches like above only with a leather strap or strap other than the link style. Thanks for sharing your information much appreciated my friend. If I do in the future see one of the watches you review on you site is it possible to purchase from you? Best Regards Herb

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I’ve been on a Panerai kick for the last year, spending my time frantically searching for inexpensive watches that imitate the style of my favorite brand. Lately, however, my philosophy has changed. My attention has become focused on uncomplicated, easy-to-read timepieces. Undoubtedly, this is a function of degraded eyesight and approaching senility.

Whilst browsing eBay, I came across an elegant but simply designed Corgeut with an Asian 6498 mechanical movement. No one seemed to want it, so I put in a bid. Two days later, this timepiece was mine.

Description

At 75 grams (2.66 ounces), this Corgeut mechanical watch can be considered lightweight. It is 44 millimeters in diameter and 12 millimeters thick.

The Corgeut 1527’s bezel and caseback are composed of bright and shiny 316L-grade stainless steel. To provide contrast, a brushed stainless-steel finish was applied to the watch’s case. A large, onion-shaped crown protrudes from its right edge.

This timepiece features a black dial with bright silver hands. A simply designed subdial, placed at the six o’clock position, is used to keep track of passing seconds. The outer edge of the dial is circled by a green ring and numbers representing three, nine, and twelve o’clock are clearly marked. While these indications do glow in the dark, the luminous coating is of poor quality.

The caseback is of the screw-off variety, with a narrow rim that allows generous space for the viewing window. Beneath this, a large Asian 6498 movement can be observed.

Corgeut chose to attach a crocodile-patterned, black leather strap to this timepiece.

The Manufacturer

Corgeut has been manufacturing timepieces for several years, but it was not until February of 2017 that this company was trademarked by Zhang, Gong Wei of Hubei Province.

While they do not share the same ownership, it is likely that Corgeut and Parnis are closely associated. Their designs are similar, and both companies utilize high-quality components. E-commerce websites that sell one of these brands usually sell both and, quite possibly, they are manufactured in the same factory.

Specifications

Brand: Corgeut

Model: 1527

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Asian hand-winding 6498

Style: Pilot

Features: Second hand on subdial and large onion-shaped crown

Band material: Leather

Band color: Black with crocodile pattern

Band width: 22 millimeters

Clasp type: Buckle

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: 316L stainless steel

Case diameter: 44 millimeters

Case thickness: 12 millimeters

Weight: 75 grams (2.66 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash-resistant only)

Visual Appeal

Corgeut made subtle but effective use of contrast by sandwiching a brushed stainless-steel case between mirror-finished bezel and caseback.

A green line of luminous paint rings the dial’s rim. Combined with an unobtrusive subdial and limited numbering, the timepiece appears remarkably uncluttered.

The black-colored dial seems to turn blue, depending on how light strikes it. This effect is caused by the design of the watch’s crystal.

Like the Parnis timepiece I reviewed last week, this Corgeut is fitted with a large, onion-shaped crown.

Through the caseback’s observation window, the operation of a large mechanical movement can be monitored.

Accuracy

I tested this Corgeut pilot watch for one week. During this period, the timepiece gained an average of 20 seconds per day. While not out of line for a watch in this price category, the overall perceived quality of the timepiece had led me to expect better accuracy.

Reserve power is 44 hours.

Durability

This Corgeut’s movement is secured within a stainless-steel case composed of grade 316L stainless steel. A large, onion-shaped crown provides excellent grip.

The heart of the Corgeut 1527 is its movement; an Asian version of the ETA 6498 pocket watch mechanism. This movement appears to be well-made.

I’ve reviewed a number of watches with excellent leather straps, lately. Corgeut equipped this timepiece with a watchband, which, while good, does not reach this standard.

This timepiece is rated 3ATM and should not be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Corgeut 1527 is a well-designed wind-up watch, assembled from quality components. While not the most accurate timepiece I possess, I appreciate its styling and wear it quite often. If you like the design, this pilot watch is worthy of consideration.

Most of the watches I review inhabit the under-$100.00 range. Their cases are generally composed of plastic, alloy, or stainless steel graded either 201 or 304L. Lately, however, I have come across several manufacturers who utilize 316L stainless steel in the production of their watches. This material is highly resistant against corrosion due to the incorporation of the element molybdenum. This material is sometimes referred to as surgical- or marine-grade stainless steel.

In the following survey, I am attempting to determine how important the use of high-grade steel is to potential customers.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Anonymous on June 24, 2020:

I have become familiar with grades of stainless steel through my diving/fishing hoby. The amount of rust I see leads me to appreciate higher grade stainless steel. It's great to see other people take notice of this. Also, for me I don't wish to purchase anymore watches with only polished stainless steel. They need to be brushed in teh highest contact areas. A brushed/polished combination can also work really well depending on where teh polishing occurs.

Jim Rees on March 21, 2018:

Hi Walter,

This is the first I have heard of this brand. From your reviews, it seems like this watch is almost the same as the Parnis Pilot, with the Parnis having just a bit better quality and accuracy. It is strange that an adjustment arm was not included on this model. Regardless, another great watch review my friend, keep up the good work.

I own several pieces of meteorite jewelry and highly recommend it as a gift for your loved ones.

Meteorites in Jewelry

In case you are thinking of getting jewelry for your loved one on Valentine's Day or another occasion, please lay off the diamonds this time. We always gift our loved ones with something special and rare as an expression of love and to convey that we have a special place for them in our lives. Usually, it is in the form of jewelry such as diamonds, gold, platinum, rubies, emeralds, or sapphires.

While the limelight of precious jewelry is often stolen by diamonds and platinum, which are quite expensive due to their luster and shine, we must understand that there are things much rarer than these. Have you ever heard of cosmic jewelry?

What Is Cosmic Jewelry?

Cosmic jewelry is mostly made from pieces of meteors and asteroids. Meteorites are both rare and unique. They are not naturally formed anywhere on Earth, and their only source is space. Even though there are thousands of meteor showers and landings in a year, only a small percentage of these are fit for incorporating into jewelry. This is because there are many different types of meteors, and most of them are not jewelry quality as they just look like any other stone on Earth. However, there are specific types of meteors which are perfect for turning into precious stones.

Pallasite Meteors

There are basically three different types of meteorites: stony, metallic, and a mixture of stony and metallic.

• The stony meteorites are comprised generally of silica and a little metal, mostly being iron.
• Metallic meteorites are mostly comprised of iron and small portion of silica, nickel, cobalt, or other metals in minute proportions.
• The third kind, being a mixture of both stone and metal, is where things get interesting. These stony metallic meteors contain sandwiched layers of olivine in a matrix of iron. Olivine is basically magnesium iron silicate, which is common on Earth, but people, the olivine in meteors is certainly not of this Earth!

These olivine meteors are well known as pallasite meteors and are the most expensive and highly sought after type. These are perfect for making jewelry due to their beautiful sea green glass-like structure, coupled with the metallic sheen of iron.

Almost all valuable meteorite jewelry is made from pallasite. However, even iron meteors are used in jewelry, and—unlike pallasite—they may not be expensive as they are comparatively more common.

As you can see above, the beautiful structure of pallasite has led to its establishment as the king of meteors. Some of these are so beautiful that they command a price of $10 or more per gram! That's right. They are highly sought after by both meteor collectors and cosmic jewelers. Pallasites have been turned into lockets and rings, and even bracelets. Trust me, they will certainly catch the eye of most people.

Non-Pallasite and Other Meteors

There is no condition that all cosmic jewelry should be made from pallasite meteors alone. Other stony and metallic meteors are fashioned into jewelry, as well. These are often not cut into symmetrical shapes or polished. They are incorporated into the jewelry in their natural state and shape, so as to add a sense of genuineness and uniqueness to the piece. However, the price of these jewelry depends more on the craftsmanship rather than the piece of meteor itself. Even then, they will be a class above traditional jewelry, as they can still be rare.

The Appeal

What makes cosmic jewelry so awesome is that it is made of something that is literally out of this world. And the cost is not that high either. The price of a pallasite pendant or ring is not even close to the price of a diamond engagement ring. Besides, the beautiful patterns you see on the stone are not man made. Those intricate contours of metal on the stone are actually naturally occurring iron in the meteorite. In fact, the stone itself is not modified in any manner.

Unfortunately, the color choices are limited to slight variations of green or light yellow. But color hardly deters determined people who are intent on wearing a piece of the universe that traveled millions or billions of miles to reach us.

Notable Sources of Pallasites

Since pallasite meteors are quite rare, it is easy to trace pallasite jewelry back to their sources. This is both useful and necessary to determine the value of the jewelry piece you own. The most notable sources are mentioned below:

1. Branham, Kansas: Meteorites of masses in excess of 1000 kg found. Used in cosmic jewelry.
2. Huckitta, Australia
3. Fukang, China: 1003 kg. Used extensively for pallasite jewelry.
4. Imilac, Chile: Up to about 920 kg found.
5. Seymchan, Russia: Slices used for both collections and jewelry.

Be Wise, Stand Out

There is no better way to convey to your loved one that they are special than by gifting them something that is otherworldly, like cosmic jewelry. You must note that the sources for pallasite jewelry are quickly drying up, as there are only a limited number of pallasite meteors remaining unexploited on Earth as of now. The demand and desirability of these pieces only goes up and cannot come down. Make the next occasion special by gifting your loved one a piece of the universe.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Every month, Watch Gang, my watch subscription service, sends me a brand-new timepiece. Just after Christmas, a cardboard box arrived with my latest acquisition: an Oniss ON2234-MSV. It was wrapped around a pillow and stuffed inside a cardboard watch box.

What makes Watch Gang interesting is the method used to select the timepiece. Although my likes and dislikes are taken into account, the subscription service actually chooses which watch is sent to my address. I'm still trying to decide whether this is a good idea.

Description

The Oniss timepiece, which is 45 millimeters across and only 11 millimeters thick, reminds me of a large silver coin. This watch is a lightweight, weighing in at 61 grams (2.16 ounces).

It is fitted with a sandwich-style dial, both layers of which appear to be composed of brushed metal. Two large subdials, providing the date and day of the week, are mounted to the bottom plate. The upper disk is pierced to accommodate these subdials. Arabic numbers, representing one through twelve o’clock, are cut into this disk along its rim.

The date function can be adjusted by extending the crown halfway and rotating it counter-clockwise. Time is set by pulling the crown fully out and turning clockwise. If the day of week indication is incorrect, continue the clockwise motion. As each twenty-four-hour period elapses, the day of the week indication will advance one day. This process is tedious, but, once set properly, will not require repetition.

Viewed from the edge, the stainless-steel case is dish-shaped and pierced by a small crown. A mineral glass crystal protects the dial.

My timepiece came equipped with a decent brown-colored, crocodile-patterned strap. Stainless-steel watchbands are also available. Those who dislike silver dials can opt for different color combinations.

The Manufacturer

Oniss is trademarked by the Nisimov Watch Company, which is located in Los Angeles, California. Nisimov, a watch import/export firm, also offers brands such as Adee Kaye, Beverly Hills, and Corvette.

Oniss timepieces are designed in California and manufactured in China. This is not uncommon. Fossil watches, for example, are designed in Switzerland and assembled at their manufacturing facility in China.

Specifications

Brand: Oniss

Model: Paris Meca ON2234-MSV

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Japanese quartz

Style: Dress/Formal

Functions: 12-hour time, date, and day of week

Band color: Brown with stainless-steel buckle

Band width: 22 millimeters

Dial color: Brushed silver

Dial window material: Mineral glass

Case material: Stainless-steel

Case diameter: 45 millimeters

Case thickness: 11 millimeters

Weight: 61 grams (2.16 ounces)

Water resistance: 5 ATM (suitable for light swimming but not snorkeling or water sports.)

Visual Appeal

Oniss has produced a watch that is composed almost entirely of bright and shiny silver material. Arabic numbers, representing the passing hours, are cut from the upper section of its sandwich dial, revealing the similarly colored lower disk. This provides a three-dimensional effect, which, when combined with this dial’s many shiny surfaces, allows its wearer to view the time under low-light conditions clearly.

In order to provide an unobstructed view of the timepiece’s subdials, the Meca utilizes skeletal hour and minute hands.

Like most of the watches I have recently reviewed, this offering from Oniss is equipped with a quality leather strap.

Service and Support

Although this task needs only to be completed once, rotating the watch hands through a series of days can be a pain. I decided to contact Oniss customer support and ask if there was a faster method to set the day of the week. The website provided a form in which to record my problem, as well as contact information.

Three hours later, a representative from Oniss called and patiently explained how to set and adjust my watch.

Small companies, in order to compete successfully, must gain attention by performing one task extraordinarily well. It appears that Oniss’s great strength is timely and personal service and support.

Durability

The Oniss Meca is fitted with a Japanese-manufactured quartz movement. All features work correctly. When adjusting the time, all indicators move smoothly and, when the crown is depressed, the minute hand does not stray from its set position.

A stainless-steel case, combined with a mineral glass crystal, provides good protection.

This watch is equipped with a decent leather strap, which will provide yeoman service.

It is rated 5ATM, and, unlike many watches I have tested, can be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Oniss ON2234-MSV is a solidly built watch that offers several useful functions. If you like large but not particularly heavy timepieces and appreciate the personal touch of phone-based support, this watch is worthy of consideration.

Watch companies work diligently to enhance their reputation and induce loyalty. In the poll below, please indicate which of the following techniques would most likely convert you into a repeat customer.

Questions & Answers

Question: Where can I find information on the battery for an Oniss Paris Meca watch?

Answer: I didn't note the battery model when reviewing the watch. Here is the customer support information for Oniss:

1 (213) 688-1179 - Customer Service

1 (800) 664-7756 - Toll No.

Or email us at: sales@nisimovwatch.com

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Jim Rees on January 28, 2018:

Great review as always Walter. I however prefer mechanical watches. Also, even considering the "surprise" factor, I would rather pick out my own watch brand/model, etc. Keep up the great reviews my friend!

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on January 20, 2018:

I do love the look of that watch. Definitely one I would wear.

Dreamworker was the owner of a small jewelry business for several years.

Fake Jewelry

If you don't know how to tell the difference between good jewelry and fakes, you could be spending a lot of money and not getting much value for it.

To the naked eye, just about all pieces of jewelry look good. Many have nice designs, lots of glitter and look nice when one is wearing them. However, there are many fakes and pieces on the market that are not worth the prices unethical sellers ask for them.

To protect yourself from people who sell such items, it's wise to learn some simple techniques that can show you the differences between the good and the bad.

Workmanship

When shopping for jewelry, look carefully at the quality of the workmanship in items that spark your interest.

• Is the piece strong enough to be able to withstand normal wear and tear?
• Is the metal heavy or light?
• Do the clasps open and close easily?

Low-quality fakes break easily, their colors often fade, stones fall out, and they usually lose their shine and luster quickly.

This is because they use veneers to make pot metal look like gold or silver, and glue to secure stones rather than prongs.

When Prince Charles gave Princess Diana her engagement ring, there was a glut on the market of rings that looked exactly like it.

They sold for less than $5, so clearly were low-quality fakes.

However, unethical sellers could easily have sold these same rings (and did) for much higher prices because they claimed they were made the same way as the original.

• Some people were happy to pay $5 for this item because wearing it made them feel like a princess.
• Those who paid plenty for them weren't quite as pleased once the truth reared its ugly head!

Materials

Fake jewelry pieces are made from metals that may look like gold and silver, but are really just plain gold or silver-plated metal.

Plating may have the look and feel of precious metals. If thinly plated, over time they can leave green marks on people's hands, necks and wrists. On the other hand, heavy plating will have the same look and feel as precious metals.

Thus, it can be very difficult to tell the difference between the fake and the real thing when items are heavily plated, especially if someone has illegally marked them as being gold or silver.

Illegal Marking

Gold and silver items have well-known marks stamped on them that tell people the quality of the metal that is in them.

For example, the 925 mark on silver means that it has a 92.5% purity level. This is the most common American mark you will see on silver jewelry today. Vintage pieces generally are marked with the word "Sterling," "Ster," or "STG."

If you cannot find a mark on an item, even though it may look like silver, it is not!

Unfortunately, unethical people buy cheap metal items that look like silver and then use a jeweler's stamp on them. These can be purchased by anybody right on eBay or at jeweler supply stores.

Unless you develop a very good eye for silver, the only way to know if a piece is real is to acid test it. I'll discuss this method in more detail later.

Fakes Will Fool You

Fake pieces of jewelry can be very cleverly made to look exactly like the real thing.

I have a thick gold plated ring with a large Zircon in the middle that I purchased for 40 cents at a garage sale. It would be easy to mark it and sell it for several hundred dollars. Keep this in mind when shopping.

As with silver, the only way to know if an item being sold as gold is real is either to have a good eye for what gold looks like, or test it.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to carry a strong, small magnet and hold it near the piece. Gold (and silver) are not magnetic. However, this test won't work if an item is heavily plated because the plating blocks true detection of the underlying metal.

As with silver, it is easy for a scammer to illegally stamp an item. A ring may show that it is 14k gold, but this may not necessarily be true.

The only real way to know is to acid test an item you suspect may be a fake.

Jewels and Gemstones

Many people love the glitter and color that jewels and gemstones create when added to precious metal jewelry. Here again, there are many fakes on the market.

Today, many stones are created in laboratories. They have the look and feel of the real thing, but are worth much less.

The only way to find out if stones are real is to have them tested by a Gemologist. Usually, there will be at least one in every jewelry store. Just make sure the person doing the testing is not the one selling you the stones!

Acid Testing

As stated earlier, the best way to know if the metal in a piece of jewelry is gold or silver is to acid test it. You can use a scratch test or file into the place in order to do this.

I bought the jewelry acid test kit I use for this purpose (and also used in my jewelry business) from Amazon. It includes bottles of acid for testing 10k, 14k, 18k, and 22k gold plus silver along with the stone you use to do the scratch test.

It has been worth every penny and more because it saved me from making terrible jewelry buying mistakes.

Testing is easy, but you do have to be careful when handling the acid because it can burn you and damage anything it touches.

For this reason, I always placed the stone on a small piece of Plexiglas covered with a newspaper, which I then covered with a layer of paper towels.

For a scratch test, rub the item several times in a small area of the stone, then place a drop of acid on it. If it turns brown, the piece is not gold. If it does not change color, you take more tests with higher levels of acids until the scratched area turns brown. This is how you know what karat the gold is.

For silver, you do the same but only with the 22K acid. If the scratch turns purple, the item is silver.

If this test leaves you unsure, file into the item in an area nobody will see and drop the acid directly on that spot. If it turns green, it's not gold. If it does not turn purple, it is not silver.

Choose Carefully

If you're going to spend money on what you think is good jewelry, it's up to you to make sure that you get what you're paying for.

I always carry an Aierno 10x jeweler's loop with me when I shop for jewelry. These are inexpensive to buy and do a great job of letting you check it's markings and also see how well an item is made.

Don't be tempted to buy more expensive ones because this one will work just as well and costs a great deal less! By the way, if you think you can trust well-known jewelers, think again.

Many have tricks they use, such as making clasps out of plated pot metal rather than gold and offering to clean your gold ring but vacuuming the gold dust up, saving it until they have enough, then selling it to a refinery!

Now that you know how to determine whether jewelry is fake or real, take steps to protect yourself.

Questions & Answers

Question: I have a ring with no markings that has a Sapphire with four Diamonds on it. Is it fake or real?

Answer: If the stones are real, the ring likely is either gold or silver. You can take it to a pawn shop and ask them to test it for you, and then you'll know for sure. Most will provide this service for free. However, newer jewelry that is unmarked is likely fake.

Question: I understand your comments about silver and gold, but could you please tell me of an inexpensive kit I can use to be able to detect fake jewelry?

Answer: For about $35 you can buy an acid test kit that will work perfectly. However, have a jeweler show you how to use it so that you don't get burned by the acid.

Question: if a ring is stamped 18kt gold, is this real gold?

Answer: It probably is real gold. However, the only way to know for sure is to have the ring tested. Most pawn shops will test items for you for free.

Question: My partner gave me a ring that has no stamp on it. Is it possible that my jewelry is fake?!

Answer: Not necessarily. Take the ring to a pawn or jewelry shop and ask them to test it for you. Most will do this for free if they think you might want to sell or trade the ring to them. It is rare for a new ring that is "real" to not be stamped, but this can happen once in a while. Acid testing will let you know if it's real or not.

© 2017 Sondra Rochelle

Comments

Sondra Rochelle (author) from USA on April 26, 2019:

Gold filled means the bracelet is plated and therefore is not gold.

Sondra Rochelle (author) from USA on April 26, 2019:

When you acid test you usually use a scraping on a special stone that comes with the test kit. If you scrape on the underside, you won't see any damage. However, if you have to cut into a bracelet in the same place so that you can drop acid on it, you definitely will do some minor damage, but you don't have to do a big cut in order to do this.

Latinaheat114 on April 26, 2019:

Is a bracelet good when it is gold filled.

Latinaheat114 on April 26, 2019:

I have 2 questions. 1 In order to find out what a bracelet is made of entirely with acid how much damage has to be made to the bracelet?2 are you able to tell afterword when you test a bracelet to see if it's gold the damage when you use acid to test

Ruby is a reseller with a growing catalog. He created Billionaire Pets Club. He also has his own Youtube channel on a variety of topics.

Why Is This Skill So Valuable?

You don't have to be a precious metal buyer or seller to enjoy the benefits of knowing how to properly test for metal content. Whether you're a rapper who wants some real bling-bling, or a guy purchasing his girlfriend some vintage jewelry, knowing how to figure out what it's really made of instead of relying on someone else to tell the truth is very handy! So read on to learn a skill that pays in more ways than one.

What Supplies Do You Need?

First, you will need to get some supplies. As amazing as the human eye is, it's hard to tell what is under the surface of any supposed precious metal item simply by looking. So get the tools that will help you get beneath the surface (links to supplies I use/recommend below).

Attract the Right Deals!

A neodymium rare earth magnet is your 1st line of defense against fakes. Great for when you don't have your acid test kit with you in the field. Avoiding magnetic pieces increases your chances of finding precious metals. Don't use a magnet from your refrigerator, they don't have the strength that's needed to accurately determine if something is ferrous or non-ferrous.

Get in the Loupe!

Carson loupes are quality, affordable, and come from a trusted name in the game. I don't have this particular Carson loupe, but I have another standing model of theirs and a vintage no brand that is built like the ol' days. This design (slide) is going to best serve you for investigating possible precious metals.

Get to the Bottom of it!

This Puritest acid test kit from JSP is the trusted brand I choose to use. Quality control is important when dealing with precious metals, as there's lots of money on the table. Don't go cheap and get unreliable acid or test stones. Remember to get new acids about every year or so. I also like the wooden box sold by Puritest to keep your acids contained and fresh.

Hands On!

Now that you got your supplies and you're ready to learn, let's get started! Don't rely on someone's word, your sight, or touch. Master your tools and don't be afraid to whip them out. Better safe than sorry!

1. Magnet: Use your neodymium magnet to run over the piece(s) in question. If there is a magnetic pull, chances are it isn't any precious metal. Though a slightly magnetic piece could indicate a magnetic alloy or a plating. Either way, I would steer clear of anything magnetic unless you know it's just base metal. Remember clasps often have magnetic metal springs inside and earrings can have magnetic posts.

2. Loupe: Now if it's not magnetic, you can look for metal marks... pull out your loupe now! I personally find it easier to look for marks first, but if your eyes are bad even with a loupe you may find yourself squinting. The marks are different depending on where you live or where the piece is from.

• Assuming your from America, the basics for silver are; STER., STERLING, STERLING SILVER, PLATA, .800, .835, .925, .950, and .999. There are more, but they are either foreign or rare. For example, some other countries use symbols instead of numbers of words.
• The marks for gold most commonly are; 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, 416, 585, 750, 9 KARAT, 10 KARAT, etc. 14K=585 parts gold, 18K=750, etc. Don't confuse karat with carat. Karat is the purity of the gold, while carat is referring to weight, generally of gemstones. Look all over the piece, but generally inside of rings, on clasps, and behind pendants or charms.
• Platinum marks are PLAT, 800, 850, 900, and 999 while Palladium is usually 500, 950, and 999. These metals are rarer than the others and are a little trickier to test.

3. Acid Test Kit: Now as you may have assumed, it is time to whip out the acid testing kit. Inside the kit, you will have a test stone and your acids. I suggest a wooden container to keep them somewhat contained and fresh. There are different acids for different supposed precious metals.

• If you think the piece is silver or it had a mark, scratch the piece on the stone hard enough to make a solid mark but not hard enough to damage. If you see a base metal where you scratched the piece then you know it's plated. If not, use a drop of the silver acid onto the scratch on the stone. The 18K acid can also be used. Some people prefer that. The silver acid will turn a strong red for sterling, and it will stay red, if it gets red then fades away real quick it was plated or you didn't get a good enough scratch. The 18K acid will turn sterling a milky blue while eating away at a fake just like the silver acid. A piece that is less than 925 will be a lighter red, but will still stay.
• For gold there are four acids; 10, 14, 18, and 22. The 22K is good for cleaning the stone when done. To test for gold on a piece you don't want to destroy, no matter the mark, scratch the piece onto the stone just like you would a suspected piece of silver. Then starting with the 10 karat acid apply a drop and watch for reaction. If it fades, disappears or smokes it is a fake, under 10 karat or possibly plated with something. If it remains repeat with 14K acid all the way up to 22K or until it fades away. For example a piece marked 14K that has a scratch that stayed solid with 10K acid but disappeared slowly with 14, we can assume it is real gold but under karat a bit. Some jewelry is really 12 or 13 when it's marked 14.
• If you are still unsure about the results; you will need to perform a destructive test by either filing deep into the piece or cutting it to get through any potential plating. Many white gold and sterling silver pieces are plated with rhodium that can be slightly magnetic and cause uncertain acid test results. So if you are scrapping the piece and can't determine the content, then you can resort to the file method or even cut the piece to get all the way through to the center. You would then apply the appropriate acid to the piece and watch for a reaction. If it starts turning green or smoking then you obviously know it's not real. This method is only effective once you have determined the streak test results aren't sure enough.
• Platinum and Palladium are tested very much like gold would be. 22K acid can be used for both, but it's recommended to a specific platinum acid if you will test it with any regularity. Many metals can give a false positive for platinum, so use a magnet and if it's magnetic steer clear no matter what. For palladium on the stone, you are looking for the streak to turn very slowly into a yellowish-green color instead of fading away. For platinum, you want the streak to stay a bright white for a good minute.

Now Go Find Your Ruby in the Rough!

Quiz Time... Hopefully You Took Notes!

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. What 2 Acids Can be Used to Test Sterling Silver?
   • Silver Acid & 10K Acid
   • Silver Acid & 18K Acid

Answer Key

1. Silver Acid & 18K Acid

Interpreting Your Score

If you got 0 correct answers: Keep your head up... & in the game!

If you got 1 correct answer: Your hired, when can you start working?

Have You Ever...

© 2017 Ruby

Comments

Kim on November 16, 2017:

Please do research about platinum 950/cobalt50- it is used by Stuller in settings and it is attracted to magnets. Your website needs to clearly state that rare earth magnets are not a way to test platinum jewelry. Your site is one of a few still on the net with incorrect information. Please do your research and correct your site to avoid confusion in the jewelry industry. Thank you.

Informed reader on November 14, 2017:

Stuller, Billion dollar company uses 950/50 platinum cobalt in settings. It is definitely magnetic. You are doing the industry wrong by your current article. Other misinformed pawn shops and Jewelers and customer are determining pieces that are considered platinum with that alloy to not be platinum according to articles like yours. We experienced that. A customer, misinformed by another jeweler used a rare earth magnet (10x in strength) to accuse us of fraud publicly. We even paid to get s GIA appraisal done, but the misinformed customer thought her magnet held the truth. Please do your research and correct this. See platinum society for example or Stuller.

Thank you

Kiyana has been an online writer for more than four years and especially enjoys writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrities.

Founders

The two men who brought Tiffany & Co. to life were Charles Lewis Tiffany and his friend John B. Young, who later became his brother-in-law. They started off with a small gift shop in New York City. In 1841, their store expanded and was named Tiffany, Young and Ellis. Of course, as we know, the store did not keep that name but changed it to Tiffany & Co. in the early 1850s. (It's also casually known as Tiffany's or just Tiffany today.) The company started to grow when they started building stores in places such as Paris in 1850 and London in 1868.

The "Blue Book"

The "blue book" is the name of their mail order catalog. It was first published in the year 1845 in the U.S. This was one of the first catalogs ever printed with color. You could get this catalog totally free up until 1972. The "blue book" is still around today and features all their rare and beautiful jewelry.

Sports

Tiffany & Co actually created and still creates many big-name trophies for sports events. In 1860, they made their first trophy, which was for horse racing. The first world championship baseball trophy was created by Tiffany & Co. in 1888. Since 2002, they have created the World Series trophy. In 1967, they made the first ever Super Bowl trophy. They have also made trophies for the NASCAR sprint cup, the Polo championship, and many other big-name events.

American History

Tiffany's has made some of the biggest creations for America's biggest moments, dating all the way back to the Civil War when they created ceremonial swords. If you think that's impressive, they also redesigned the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1919.

The company has made many gifts for First Ladies and other dishes and pieces for the White House. Interestingly, President Lincoln gave his wife a pearl necklace from Tiffany's on his day of inauguration on March 4, 1861.

Another big part of history that Tiffany's has taken part in is the 1880s remake of The Great Seal of the United States that is pictured on the dollar bill.

Signature Color

Their signature color may look like a simple blue color, but it is not just any ordinary blue. Tiffany's trademark color blue is a customized color they own, and it's known as "Tiffany blue" or "1837 blue," which was the year Tiffany's was first founded.

This color was created by the company Pantone, which makes customized colors. Since Tiffany & Co. actually own this color, you cannot find the exact shade anywhere else. After this color was used on the cover of the "blue book," it became their signature color up through today.

Present Stores

As of 2019, there were more than 300 Tiffany stores combined and an estimated 14,200 employees. There were 95 stores in the United States and about 230 in other countries around the world. Their market capitalization stands at about 13 billion dollars as of November 2019, according to Forbes!

Documentary

If you want to learn more about this iconic company, you can watch the documentary called Crazy About Tiffany's. The movie was released in February of 2016 and is all about the history of the company.

I am certified with the Diamond Council of America. I have been been working in jewelry design and fashion for many years.

So you've found the right girl, and now it's time to shop for the right engagement ring.

You walk into the mall and there is the first jewelry store that you come to. You are taken to the bridal cases and a sea of engagement rings are in front of you. In the first case you find a 1/2 carat with a $3400 price tag, and in the next case you find a 1 carat with a $2500 price tag. It just doesn't make any sense. Isn't a 1 carat worth more than a 1/2 carat?

With a basic understanding of how diamonds are valued using the 4 C's, you will be able to go into the jewelry stores armed with information and a better knowledge of what to ask for.

1. Carat

Carat weight is discussed in either points or fractions. 100 points equals 1 carat. 1.25 equals 1 1/4 carats and so on. Looking at an engagement ring tag, it should read like this: 2 1/2 ct with the center diamond being 1 ct. 14 k.

So what does that mean? It means that the total carat weight of all of the diamonds together on the ring is equal to 2 1/2 carats. The center diamond carat weight is 1 carat and it is all set in 14 carat gold. If you are looking at just a solitaire (no other diamond on the band, only a center stone), then it would read "1 ct 14 k" (1 carat weight set in a 14 carat gold setting).

2. Cut (What Makes a Diamond Sparkle)

The quality of the cut is the one thing that humans can control out of the 4 C's. A poor cut can ruin a beautiful diamond, while an excellent cut can enhance the beauty of a not-so-perfect diamond. Along with the shape of the diamond, the cut designates how the light plays off of the stone. This is what gives us that sought-after sparkle.

3. Color

The color of a diamond is rated from D (colorless) to Z (significant yellow or brown). Z is not to be confused with fancy color yellow canary diamonds. Fancy diamonds are more rare than white diamonds and have a different rating all of their own.

A colorless diamond is obviously more rare and valuable than a diamond with yellow or brownish tones in it. The ones that you will find at reputable jewelry stores will vary between colorless and near colorless, with some having a light yellow for an entry price point.

4. Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is about what inclusions are present in the diamond and can be seen by the naked eye. The scale ranges from FL (flawless) to I3 (included). Most of the diamonds that you will come across in jewelry stores will be in the SI category, which means slightly included.

Inclusions are natural internal marks that are caused by the growth of the diamond, or sometimes outside marks caused by shaping and cutting the stone. A jewel setter will often set the diamond so that the inclusions are underneath a prong if possible. There is nothing wrong with this at all; it's just a way to have the best part of the stone showing.

Shape

The shape of the diamond sets the whole tone of the ring. A round cut is the most common and popular, and the other cuts are considered fancy cuts. Like clothing fashion, the different cuts will go in and out of style. Each cut has its own characteristics and benefits.

Along with diamond shape, there are different styles of setting them for you to consider. Do you want just a single center stone, or would you like your ring to be dripping in diamonds? It's best to get a feel for what settings you think would be a good fit before you hit the stores.

That's it in a nutshell. Now you have enough info to start your search for the perfect engagement ring and the diamond that fits what you are looking for. I hope this clears up any confusion that you might have had. And congratulations on your upcoming engagement.

Isabella enjoys writing about beauty and fashion, including jewelry and natural hair care.

Rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry requires special care and maintenance. Therefore, it is worth knowing what your jewelry is made of so you can give it the proper care to maintain its beauty for a long time.

What Does "Rhodium-Plated" Mean?

First, sterling silver is an alloy (or mixture) of silver consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Silver sterling is identified by the number 925 (often stamped onto jewelry items). Silver, which is 99.9% pure silver or fine silver, is too soft and unsuitable for manufacturing jewelry. It is therefore alloyed with other metals to give it strength.

Rhodium is a hard durable precious metal of the platinum family. Rhodium plating (electroplating) is usually done to prevent scratching or tarnishing, protect the underlying metal, give the jewelry a white and shiny appearance and make it durable.

Rhodium-plated sterling silver is therefore jewelry (earrings, rings, necklaces, chains, etc.) made from sterling silver plated with a small outer layer of rhodium that also gives that shining and sparkling appearance.

Learning how to clean your rhodium-plated sterling silver will prolong its sparkling appearance.

Caution:

1. Never use any chemicals on your rhodium-plated jewelry.

2. Do not use a toothbrush or toothpaste.

3. Do not use abrasives of any kind.

4. Don't use polishing cloths intended for use on uncoated silver and gold jewelry products.

5. Don't use ammonia-based products.

6. Don't place in an ultra-sonic cleaner.

7. Don't use silver dips.

8. Always consult a jewelry professional if you aren't sure.

Supply List

You need the following things to clean rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry:

• Warm water
• Mild liquid detergent
• Bowls—one for washing and one for rinsing
• Soft towel, 100% organic cotton
• Treatment-free microfiber cloth
• Tissue paper
• Soft polishing cloth (optional)

I do not recommend using a toothbrush. But if you want, you can use the very soft bristle brush type, like a baby's toothbrush.

Step 1: Prepare the Detergent Solution

Prepare the washing solution by combining 1/3 cup of a mild liquid detergent with 1 cup warm water in one of the bowls.

Step 2: Soak and Wash the Jewelry

1. Soak the rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry in the solution for 10 minutes.
2. Then, using your fingers, gently rub your jewelry pieces to clean them. Do not rub hard or use a hard toothbrush. Avoid scratching.
3. Ensure that the items do not stay in the detergent solution for more than 15 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse the Jewelry

1. Fill the other bowl with distilled or bottled room temperature water.
2. Rinse off the jewelry to remove all soapy water.
3. If you need to repeat the rinsing with new water to remove all detergent residue, do that. Again, rinse gently with care.

Step 4: Dry the Jewelry

Dry the washed jewelry pieces by placing them on soft towels like 100% soft cotton—or, better still, on treatment-free microfiber cloth specially made for rhodium-plated silver—and gently pat them dry. You can leave the jewelry to dry overnight if you wish.

Step 5: Store the Jewelry Properly

1. Place the rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry pieces on tissue paper and wrap them gently. Each piece should be wrapped in a separate paper.
2. Store the jewelry in an airtight jewelry storage box.

Recommended Microfiber Cloth

Can I Use a Sunshine Polishing Cloth for Silver Sterling?

Sunshine Polishing Cloth for silver sterling is a highly recommended cleaning and polishing cloth for silver sterling jewelry. Some people use and recommend this for cleaning their rhodium-plated silver sterling. However, note that this cloth polishing cloth works best on sterling silver, gold, brass and copper jewelry. It is too harsh for your rhodium-plated silver.

It is recommended that you check the manufacturer's label to first ensure that the cloth does not contain harsh chemicals or abrasives. Then, polish your rhodium-plated silver sterling jewelry very gently with it.

© 2016 Isabella

Comments

Martin on May 06, 2019:

This doesn't work at all. Tried this on rhodium plated cufflinks and it had no effect what so ever which isn't suprising as detergents won't remove tarnish due to oxidation

pdg on April 23, 2019:

Thank you. That was very helpful.

Autumn on February 24, 2019:

Love them

Isabella (author) from Far North Queensland on February 19, 2018:

You are welcome

Basel A Razzak on February 19, 2018:

Thank you for the information

Isabella (author) from Far North Queensland on October 26, 2016:

Thanks Ericdierket for visiting.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on October 25, 2016:

Very interesting.

Suzette has been an online writer for over eight years. Her articles focus on everything from jewelry to holiday festivities.

The Zuni Pueblo Native American people are located on a Pueblo reservation approximately thirty miles southwest of Gallup, NM, with a population of about ten thousand. While they learned silversmithing from the Navajos, they have a unique look to their jewelry that is different from the Navajo jewelry.

They are known for their lapidary (cutting, polishing and shaping stones) artisan skills and intricate stone inlay designs. They are the southwestern masters of inlaid silver and turquoise jewelry. The Zuni, then, shared their lapidary work with the Navajos, Hopi, and other Pueblo peoples.

Zuni Designs

Much of their designs include other stones besides turquoise such as coral, jet (a black stone), and white mother of pearl. If you see a piece of inlaid jewelry with those colors it probably was made by the Zuni Pueblo people. Use of turquoise and coral as personal adornment by southwestern natives dates from prehistoric times and the use of silver by Navajo, Zuni and Hopi natives is only approximately one hundred years old.

Lanyade is believed to be the first Zuni to learn silversmithing from the Navajos around 1872. He, in turn, taught it to the Hopi native tribes. Keneshde is believed to be the first Zuni to set turquoise to a piece of silver jewelry around 1890.

Native American tribes should be treated with dignity. I am not an expert on their culture, especially their religious culture. That is why I say, "it is believed," when speaking and writing about them. They are their own sovereign nations within the U.S. and keep their nations very private. So please bear with me on the names and dates of when things happened.

Zuni Lapidary Skills

The Zuni Pueblo tribe is very traditional and religious and their stone lapidary skills have come from ancient times more than a thousand years ago. Their lapidary skills which developed over many years were easily applied when they learned the art of silversmithing. Now, with the art of silversmithing, they took their stone decorative jewelry to another level.

They are best known for their complex channel inlay designs and for their fine turquoise petit point and needlepoint designs. For centuries, the Zuni have worn jewelry made with simple designs of turquoise and other gemstones, but it was the art of silversmithing combined with their stones that created such beautiful art in jewelry.

Over the years, the Zuni have slowly developed their own unique techniques and styles to their silver jewelry making. As the demand for Native American fine jewelry grew in the southwest, the Zuni jewelry makers became much in demand and well known for their extraordinary work of combining their lapidary work within their jewelry designs.

Unlike Navajo jewelry that often uses chunky stones, Zuni stone jewelry uses carefully cut, crafted and polished stones set in intricate arrangements.

Zuni Channel Inlay Technique

Their most famous style, the channel inlay technique is done by accurately forming channels in the silver base and then carefully inserting stones into the channels in particular patterns, shapes, and colors. These techniques require great precision when cutting the small stones and the Zuni have mastered this. The inlay can be flat, raised, etched or sculpted into the silver.

Although turquoise is found on a majority of Native American jewelry, the Zuni use a wide assortment of stones and skills to give a variety of colors in their designs that are not found in Navajo jewelry.

Petit Point

The Zuni also became skilled with the petit point and needlepoint technique (sometimes these terms are used interchangeably) done by setting very small tear, egg, pear, or oval-shaped piece of turquoise into a design. The Zuni have taught the Navajos how to create this type of design and both the Zunis and Navajos make this design of jewelry so when buying these designs be sure to ask the dealer or vendor who made the jewelry piece. And, remember to look on the back for the number 925 that signifies sterling silver and for the artist's initials or name. All of my Native American jewelry pieces are marked 925 and signed (engraved) by the artist.

How and Where to Buy Native American Jewelry

When buying Native American jewelry ask as many questions about the piece as you can. Which native tribe made the piece? Which stones are used? In which state was the stone mined? Which specific mine does the stone come from? which specific artist made the piece? Is it a contemporary, vintage, or antique piece? The more questions you ask the vendor the more he will realize you are serious about Native American jewelry and less likely he/she will try to take advantage of you.

In most cases, the vendor will offer you a better (lesser) price. It is okay to negotiate a price with the vendor, even in a fine jewelry store. I have negotiated better prices for all my Native American jewelry. If they refused to negotiate just walk out the door; nine times out of ten they will call you back in and give you a better price.

Also note, you will find the best prices for their jewelry right on the reservation. It is priced what it is really worth with not much of a markup. I try to buy as many pieces as I can from the Taos Pueblo two miles up the road, as their prices are right and the quality of stones is excellent. They are all signed and stamped sterling silver.

If you are not in the southwest, you can find reputable websites that sell genuine silver jewelry. I can't vouch for the prices and you probably can't negotiate with them.

The following photographs are made by Zuni Pueblo native jewelers. Since they shared their skills with other native tribes, you will see some of these also made by the Navajos. The ones here are only Zuni handmade creations and all stones are genuine.

© 2016 Suzette Walker

Comments

Suzette Walker (author) from Taos, NM on October 04, 2016:

Dianna, Thanks so much for reading. Those particular earrings are beautiful and the ones I like best also.

teaches12345 on September 28, 2016:

The earrings are my favorite. I love the long design. I learned something about the tribal preferences in jewelry making.

Suzette Walker (author) from Taos, NM on September 21, 2016:

MizBejabbers: Sounds to me that piece of jewelry is Zuni made, and it sounds beautiful. I am glad to hear it is signed and stamped 925. That means you have a real fine piece of jewelry. I am so glad you are enjoying these jewelry hubs. My next one will be about Hopi native jewelry.

Suzette Walker (author) from Taos, NM on September 21, 2016:

Kristen, so glad you enjoyed reading this. Turquoise jewelry has always been a favorite of mine. I wear it more than any other type of jewelry. So glad you found this informative.

Suzette Walker (author) from Taos, NM on September 21, 2016:

Devika, thanks so much for reading. Yes, isn't this jewelry beautiful? I am so glad you found this informative.

Suzette Walker (author) from Taos, NM on September 21, 2016:

Thanks for reading, Bill and I am glad it was informative for you.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on September 19, 2016:

I love this article, so please keep them going. Now you have me curious with this great information on Zuni pieces. As a Christmas gift, my niece who lives in Albuquerque gave me a contemporary piece with turquoise, coral and white mother of pearl channel set in a piece of a geometric puzzle. If you put umpteen of them together, they would form a sun disk. It is signed and contains the 925 stamp. The silver has not been coated and requires polishing nearly every time I wear it. Your description sounds like it could be Zuni. I really don’t care that much for the needlepoint pieces, but that’s just a personal preference. My Cherokee husband likes them.

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on September 19, 2016:

Suzette, great lens! Like Nell, I do love turquoise jewelry. I have some I haven't worn in years. A fascinating hub to learn about it.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on September 19, 2016:

Wow! So beautiful and had no idea of this type of jewelry. I learned lots from this hub. Interesting and unique. I Tweeted!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on September 19, 2016:

I love to learn; ergo, I loved this article.

Suzette Walker (author) from Taos, NM on September 18, 2016:

Thanks Nell. This is my current craze! I love it and could buy up all these pieces but my budget couldn't take it!

Nell Rose from England on September 18, 2016:

Hiya, I love Turquoise ! great hub!Interesting to read about who started to make the jewelry too. love silver, and the color with it is amazing! nice one Suzette!

Dreamworker was the owner of a small jewelry business for several years.

Speaking as a retired licensed precious metals dealer, I can honestly say that most people own older pieces of jewelry they assume are not worth much because they are:

• broken
• out of date
• dirty
• tarnished from years of wear and misuse
• associated with bad memories

I have seen people simply shove such items in a drawer or actually toss them out, but doing these things is a mistake. Assuming a piece is worthless due to issues like these could cost you hundreds of dollars, so unless money means nothing to you, you should take the time to find out how much your jewelry is worth!

All Jewelry Is Not Valued Equally

If you know anything at all about jewelry, you understand that some pieces, even those that are classed as "costume" jewelry:

• are more well-constructed than others
• are antiques
• are highly collectible
• have better designs
• are created with more valuable metals, gemstones and jewels

Thus, they can be quite valuable. For example, there is one pin made by Trifari (a fairly common name in designer costume jewelry) that sold for more than $4,000 a few years ago!

The point is that people don’t often know the value of what they have either because their pieces were purchased so long ago that they can’t remember what they paid, someone gave them jewelry as a present, or they inherited items.

The truth is that it's important to know the worth of what you have so that if you ever want (or need to) gift, sell, or insure your jewelry, you will be able to determine value.

Does Broken Jewelry Have Value?

Whether broken jewelry has value or not depends on who is doing the buying and whether they want to:

• own and wear it
• collect it
• use parts of it to create various types of crafts and/or jewelry pieces
• earn money from buying and selling it

People who purchase jewelry to wear or collect always expect it to be in pristine condition, but if all they plan to do with it is break it apart to use for creative purposes, condition won’t matter.

Dealers

However, condition may or may not come into play for dealers, depending on the type of buying and selling they do.

For example:

• Those dealing in expensive, high-end items always need their items to be in good condition.
• If someone is only dealing in gold and silver scrap, it does not matter if the items they purchase are in bad shape.

The reason for this is that gold and silver are precious metals that have inherent values, regardless of condition. It won’t be worth as much as the good pieces, but it still can be worth plenty.

When I was dealing in precious metals, I saw this scenario happen time and again: People would insist they had nothing of value, but once I convinced them to let me help them determine value, many were shocked when I offered them hundreds of dollars for items they considered to be junk!

How to Know What Your Jewelry Is Worth

It’s not always easy to find out what your jewelry is worth, but here are a few tips that can help:

1. Check pieces for flaws such as chipped or missing stones, scratches and broken clasps because problems like these lower values.
2. Research costume jewelry online or take it to a consignment shop to get some idea of value.
3. Buy a cheap eyepiece and check your items to see if there is a gold or silver mark on it. For gold, you will normally see 10K, 14K,18K or 22K. ( Don’t get excited if you see 12K because 12K is not gold.) For silver .925 and .999 are standard marks.
4. Hold a strong magnet against the metal portion of an item. If it does not stick, you may have something made with either gold or silver because those two metals are not magnetic.

(3 and 4 are two simple tests that indicate the possibility that you have something of value, but they are not foolproof because there are many fakes on the market that are stamped with gold marks but are not gold, also heavily plated gold pieces will not hold a magnet.)

To be sure of what you have, your best bet is to take your items to a credible jewelry buyer and let him test and weigh your pieces for you.

Conversely, if you really want to get serious about knowing what your gold and silver items are worth, you can purchase a book and kit that shows you how to do so. I used those items for years in my scrap metal business, and they were very effective.

Where to Find Credible Jewelry Estimators

There are a number of people who are knowledgeable, credible and who can provide realistic estimates and appraisals for you. However, many of them charge a significant amount of money for their services, and often only provide insurance appraisals, which are far different from street value estimates. You can find information about these specially trained people, called Gemologists, in the video below.

• Jewelers and Pawn Shop workers will give you street estimates, but many of them will also try to purchase your items at prices that are far below their actual value.
• If you want to get a basic idea about the value of your jewelry, your best bet is to check eBay’s completed listings for items similar to yours to see what people were willing to pay to purchase them.
• You can also go online to research the hundreds of resources there that can give you a basic idea of values for both costume and precious metals jewelry.
• You may also want to check out Monex to see the current values for gold and silver. If you do this, bear in mind that those prices are for the highest quality of precious metals and do not reflect what a dealer will pay you for your items because he has to make a profit to stay in business. Furthermore, pricing is based on weight, carat and condition as well as the day's current values.

Doing these things takes a bit of effort, but it could save you hundreds, and possibly thousands, of dollars!

Think Twice Before Selling

It is very tempting to want to sell your jewelry if someone offers you cash for it, but make sure you know what you have and what you want to do with it before doing so.

I knew a woman who sold an old, ugly, beat up silver brooch for $5. It turned out to be an item that was created by a well known silversmith from Paul Revere’s time and was valued at more than $600! She was sick when she found out what she had done, but she could have avoided this problem by simply doing some research!

You can eliminate having a problem like this by taking the time to find out how much your jewelry is worth before you take any action.

Some of it may look like junk to you, but that does not mean that it is!

Questions & Answers

Question: I have a nice ruby gemstone set in gold from my grandmother, probably about 80 to 100 years old. How do I know if it is real?

Answer: Take it to a jeweler who is a gemologist and ask him to check it for you. Some jewelers charge for this service, others do not. Since it is set in gold, it's likely the stone is real, but you cannot know for sure unless you have it tested.

Comments

Sondra Rochelle (author) from USA on April 29, 2018:

Many people don't even realize that they have something of value in their jewelry boxes. It's a real shame. Some even throw pieces out because they break or become tarnished.

Sondra Rochelle (author) from USA on August 12, 2016:

Jyoti Kothari: That's interesting. Here in the states very few people actually realize that even their gold teeth have value and just throw them away!

Sondra Rochelle (author) from USA on August 12, 2016:

Diane Abrahamson: Yes, that happens a lot. You really have to inspect pieces closely and sometimes run tests to find out whether they have any value or not. I thought the video showed some helpful tips, also. Thanks for stopping by.

Jyoti Kothari from Jaipur on August 12, 2016:

Ya, it is true for jewelry with precious metals, diamonds, and real gemstones. People in India are well aware of the value of a broken jewelry. However, the scenario may be different in other parts of the globe. This article will help them in getting the right price. I am a jeweler and know this from my own experience.

Thanks for a good and detailed article.

Diana Abrahamson on August 11, 2016:

My gran had a lot of interesting pieces of jewellery. Some that looked that they were worth a lot, were actually only costume jewellery and other pieces were found to be of more value than initially thought. Thanks for all your interesting info.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

This watch is available new at both eBay and Amazon. eBay also carries a lightly used version. I believe most of these lightly used watches are actually new watches that have been stored too long in a warehouse. On this particular timepiece, however, I could detect a faint scratch along the edge of the watchband. A link had been removed and later replaced.

Both the G-JzakkoSSBD and the G-JaakkoSSBD model appear to be identical. A used watch is priced at $24.95. If you would prefer a brand new model with a full warranty, the purchase price rises to $66.00. For those unfortunate folks—and that includes me—who live outside of Europe, a nineteen-dollar shipping fee applies.

Description

The Aatos arrived on schedule. It came well packed with box and a card certifying that the diamonds decorating the face were genuine.

At 174 grams (6.15 ounces), this automatic is no lightweight. It measures 45.5 mm across and is 16.5 mm thick. The strap measures 22 mm in width.

The case is composed of glossy stainless steel. Two knurled pushbuttons, separated by the crown, protrude from the right edge. Another pushbutton and identically designed knob project from the left.

The dial is black. Silver-colored roman numerals denote the nine, twelve, and three o’clock positions. Eight tiny diamonds are placed strategically around the dial. The hands, which are coated with effective luminous paint, are easily detected against the black backdrop.

Two windows at the top allow a view of the day of month. A pair of subdials indicate the day of week and month. These can be adjusted by their associated pushbuttons.

The numbers thirteen through twenty-four are printed along the outer rim of the dial, allowing the user to convert from twelve to twenty-four-hour time.

This rim is actually a component of what we professional watch reviewers refer to as a rotating whimsical ring. The knob located on the upper-left edge of the timepiece is used to revolve this ring in either direction. This ingenious feature clearly demonstrates Aatos’s compassion for the compulsive knob-twisters and button-pushers among us.

This automatic features a cut-out at the bottom of the dial through which the rapidly oscillating timing wheel can be viewed. The rear of the moment is visible via a transparent window set into the caseback. The rotor is nicely etched and branded Aatos.

The Watchband

The strap is heavy duty and composed of stainless steel links, accounting for a great deal of the timepiece’s overall weight. I’ve found it to be the most comfortable watchband in my collection.

The Manufacturer

Aatos is what is commonly known as a mushroom brand. Aatos, M Johansson and Eppman are all trademarks owned by a marketing company, which, unfortunately, I have been unable to identify.

German-based vendors are used to distribute their watches via eBay and Amazon. I suspect these vendors, AJ Watches Germany and Watch Store Germany, are owned by the same marketing company. This business is likely based in either Germany or China. Possibly these watches have been designed in Germany, but they are manufactured in China.

Specifications

Brand: Aatos

Condition: New with warranty or used

Part/Model number: G-JzakkoSSBD and G-JaakkoSSBD

Model year: 2010 to present

Place of origin: Sold from Germany. Manufactured in China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Automatic marked Aatos

Style: Casual luxury

Features: Open heart design. Rotatable ring

Functions: Calendar and twenty-four-hour time

Band material: Stainless steel

Band width: 22mm

Dial color: Black

Dial window material type: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 45.5 including crown

Case thickness: 16.5

Weight: 174 grams (6.15 ounces)

Water resistance: 5 ATM

Visual Appeal

Despite the military-like knurled pushbuttons and rapidly whirling timing wheel, this watch presents an overall impression of elegance. The tiny diamonds and well-designed subdials show well against the black backdrop of the dial.

Both the case and watchband are composed of shiny stainless steel, and I admire the interlocked brick design of the strap.

Accuracy

I tested this watch for seven days. During this period, the day of month indicator and both subdials worked correctly.

The Aatos automatic lost an average of five seconds per day, which is considered excellent for a timepiece in this price range. Many far more expensive watches do not meet this standard.

Another watch I have tested, the Aatos G-ThosBrBrBr, is equipped with the same movement. It runs 7.14 seconds fast per day. While my sample size is ludicrously small, it does suggest proper measures of quality control were utilized during the assembly of these movements.

Durability

The crown snaps in and out nicely, and while adjusting the hands, I did not detect sloppiness in its operation. The knob used to rotate the dial’s outer rings works well. All three pushbuttons perform satisfactorily.

Water-resistance is listed at ATM 5; however, the vendor notes this result was obtained in a laboratory and states that watches rated less than ATM 10 should not be used in water. Consider this timepiece splash resistant only.

The overall appearance of this Aatos automatic suggests above-average robustness. The strap will outlast the watch.

Automatic watches require cleaning and lubrication every three to five years. If left neglected, the timepiece will gradually become less accurate and eventually fail. Despite its low purchase price, this watch’s remarkable accuracy may entice me to have the servicing performed. If left untouched, I expect my Aatos automatic to perform well for a period of three to five years.

Overall Impression

If you dislike heavy watches, you should avoid this timepiece. In every other respect, the Aatos G-JzakkoSSBD ranks at or near the top of my collection. It is elegant, shiny, comfortable, and incredibly accurate. This timepiece is highly recommended.

In an effort to find a lucrative niche, manufacturers will offer a variety of what would kindly be described as unconventional features. A friend once purchased a watch from Radio Shack that included a remote control. We walked into a big box store and, until the staff wised up and turned them off, spent an enjoyable afternoon switching channels and adjusting the volume of the bank of televisions lining an entire wall.

The following poll lists a number of bizarre features than have been incorporated into watches. Please select the one most likely to encourage you to make a purchase.

Everyone remembers the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, where Bilbo originally found the ring. He loved it because it made him invisible, and then the ring got passed on to Frodo. Gollum was obsessed with the ring even though it was dangerous to anyone who wore it. The rings were supposed to be destroyed in order to save Middle Earth from evil. The famous poem written by J.R.R. Tolkien says a lot about the lust for gold.

The Truth Behind Rings

The books and the movies were fantasy. But, do they have any application to our present day lives? Many people would say that they do. Everyone loves the scene in which a man gets down on one knee and opens a box with a ring in it and proceeds to ask a woman for her hand in marriage. Typically the woman says "yes," and a ring is put on her finger.

Few people know that the underlying story behind the ring is that it could have come from metal mining and gold mining practices in which around 600,000 children all over the world are practically slave laborers as artisanal gold miners. They get no education and will be stuck in slave labor their whole lives.

Gold mining is the biggest cause of man-made mercury pollution, which destroys the environment and is terrible for the minors' health. The cyanide that comes from the pollution contaminates the surrounding environment, like it did in Romania when over 100,000 gallons of waste with cyanide in it got into the drinking water. Producing one ring creates 20 tons of mine waste.

The dangerous conditions of the miners include things like tunnel collapses, falling rocks, and underground fires. There have been hundreds of deaths from accidents in gold mines in South Africa alone. The gemstones that are used in these rings are diamonds that financially support rebel movements against government bodies—rebel movements that committed human atrocities like rape, made children into soldiers, and murdered were supported by diamond mining. The damage to the Earth and its people are an enormous price to pay for just one romantic engagement ring.

So, how do we protect the Earth and its people from this type of damage? There are several companies that sell ecologically friendly jewelry. A few of them are listed below.

1. Brilliant Earth

The company, "Brilliant Earth" makes every piece of their jewelry with recycled and re-refined precious metals. They get metals from existing jewelry, industrial used metals, and electronic components. They also encourage people to recycle their own jewelry that is no longer worn. When someone sends the company their jewelry to be recycled, a credit is applied towards any purchase from Brilliant Earth of equal or greater value than what the company got out of the recycling of the jewelry.

The company not only recycles precious metals, but they also have a vapor emissions cleaning system and a process of cleaning liquid emissions that are put into place to prevent any contaminants from being released into the environment. All of the jewelry is crafted in the United States where the strictest labor and safety practices are in place as opposed to having the jewelry made in a third world country where people and the environment are often both abused in order to make jewelry.

2. Leber Jeweler Inc. and Earthwise

The second company worth mentioning is Leber Jeweler Inc., which launched Earthwise in 1999. They make fine jewelry from recycled platinum, gold, and palladium with fair-trade colored gemstones along with conflict-free Canadian diamonds.

3. Green Oro

Green Oro was started by Shiman and Boryana Farkas. They manufacture 100% recycled gold jewelry. This prevents the mining of gold ore. They are presently the leading manufacturer of recycled jewelry and suppliers to major eco-jewelry vendors in the United States. They also use conflict-free green diamonds. They even have a cash-for-gold exchange, which is something most jewelry companies do not offer.

The Power of the Pearl

If you are looking at gemstones and not actually entire companies, it should be pointed out that the most environmentally friendly gem is the pearl. As opposed to the atrocities that go on in diamond mining, pearl-farming is different.

A native species of pearl oyster is cultivated in a basket or net. Most of the pearl farms are in the Pacific Ocean, which has the most diverse marine life of all oceans. However, there are many areas affected by coral reef degradation. Coral reefs are a main source of nutrients for the pearl, producing oysters along with being a home for many fish and several other organisms that play a pertinent role in the health of oysters.

So, in order for the oyster to be able to produce the desired pearl, the marine life also has to be kept very intact. Once the oyster produces a pearl, the abductor muscle is often eaten and the shell is used to make furniture, other jewelry, or buttons. Pearl farming is highly environmentally friendly.

4. Real Wings

If you are looking for more high-fashion jewelry and not diamonds or precious metals a good company (the fourth company) is Real Wings. They make jewelry out of butterfly wings. The butterflies live out their natural lives and are not killed to make jewelry. They come from farms which work in cooperation with rain forest and wildlife conservation efforts. The way the company is helping the environment is by financially supporting the conservation of different butterfly species and different ecosystems.

5. Green Products and Gifts

If you are into jewelry made from recycled materials, Green Products and Gifts is a good company. All of the jewelry they make is hand-made in the United States and made out of a variety of recycled glass bottles and sterling silver. They also use silver-plated silverware to create spoon jewelry and recycled scrabble tiles to make pendants. Recycled records are used to make earrings. They sell many environmentally friendly and/or recycled products that would be great for gifts for other people due to the high level of originality. Or, you might purchase one or more of these artistic items for yourself! When purchasing items made from recycled materials, you are helping to protect and preserve the environment.

6. 31 Bits

31 Bits is a company based in Southern California that turns recycled paper into colorful jewelry. The company finances a fair and consistent paycheck for over one hundred displaced women in Northern Uganda. One-third of those women are H.I.V. positive.

The business model that is set up empowers women and cares for them holistically through counseling, health education, finance training, and business mentoring. Upon five years of working for the company, a woman graduates from the program and owns her own business. They take the paper from posters, advertisements, and textbook pages to use to make jewelry. Then, they tear it into long strips, roll it not tight beads, and coat it in a water-based varnish. The beads are then used to make necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry.

Future Plans for 31 Bits

7. Cangles

The company "Cangles" makes jewelry out of recycled aluminum cans. There is the same amount of energy in half a can of gasoline saved every time an aluminum can is recycled . Each piece of jewelry, hair clips, etc. is hand made in the United States. Not only that but a portion of what is made from the sale of the products goes to local charities: the community food bank, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Autism Speaks. Even the box that the jewelry purchase is mailed in is made of recycled materials.

8. Coral Covey

Coral Covey is a jewelry company that makes jewelry depicting marine life and other wildlife that is based out of Munich, Australia. They use 100% reclaimed sterling silver to make jewelry. The studio they make it in is powered by one hundred percent renewable gas and electricity, bought from Polarstem. The energy source comes with a hydro-electricity station east of Munich where wetlands have been developed allowing fish and other wildlife to pass through the river thereby making it good for animals and the planet. Even the packaging and paper used for their advertising comes from recycled boxes, recycled paper, and one hundred percent recycled cotton ribbon, and naturally dyed felt.

9. Fairly Adorned

I personally own several pieces of jewelry from the company Fairly Adorned. Instead of the horrible practices like what was seen in the movie Blood Diamond like murder, making children into soldiers, and using slave labor that are not only destructive to people but to the Earth as well, this company empowers the people of Africa as well as benefits their environment.

The person who owns the company uses three different kinds of beads: Kazuri beads, beads from Swaziland, and Pearls to Paper. The Kazuri beads started being created in the year of 1975 when Lady Susan Wood started a small business of bead making in her backyard with the hiring of two women. Realizing there were several other women who needed jobs, the "Kazuri beads" (Swahili meaning small and beautiful) were created right outside Nairobi, Kenya. By the year of 1988, it turned into a large workshop employing over 120 women. Now it employs over 400 women who are in need or mostly single mothers, widows, or disabled women.

The Kazuri beads are made out of clay from Mount Kenya area. The factory in which they are made is a social gathering place, offers free medical care, access to educational programs, and provides each woman with a wage that supports an extended family of twenty or more. The Kazuri beads are not only fair-trade certified but are also a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

Other Beads Used by Fairly Adorned

The person running this company also uses beads that are made from recycled amber glass and tools like old typewriter keys and forks from Swaziland. The hand-made beads are made by twenty-five women who by making these beads are therefore able to provide for their families. The women in this group are members of S.W.I.F.T. (Swaziland International Fair Trade Association). Also, "Paper to Pearls" is another product sold by this company that uses beads from Northern Uganda the same as "31 Bits". Their website is: http://www.fairlyadorned.com .

We Share One World

In conclusion, what may appear to be a pretty ring or piece of jewelry may have been made from exploiting people as well as the Earth. We need to be very mindful of what we are buying as jewelry so that we are not destroying the Earth and its inhabitants. We must make every effort to avoid the exploitation of people, especially children, diamond and gold miners, the planet as a whole, and ourselves. "All that is gold does not glitter" is a very true statement. We must make good decisions for ourselves and for future generations to come.

Comments

Ezria Copper (author) on March 14, 2017:

I like the knot symbol. It doesn't look Celtic. But, the principle is the same. I am assuming it is Australian.

Kallista Designs from Australia on March 13, 2017:

We are also purchasing diamond from authorized diamond suppliers. Diamond Rings and Jewelry also available on my online portal. Customers have trust on sterling silver jewelry.

http://www.kallistadesigns.com/

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Description

I purchased this timepiece from GearBest Online Shopping. It cost me seven dollars in US funds and was eligible for free shipping. The watch arrived within the expected period, wrapped in the thinnest lay of bubble wrap I have ever seen and shoved into an envelope layered with the same quality of wrap. Despite inadequate protection, the timepiece arrived unscathed.

This watch is large and heavy, weighing in at 99 grams (3.49 ounces). It is 4.7 cm in diameter and 1.3 cm thick. If you prefer a smaller and lighter timepiece, you might be interested in my review of the Wilon WL938, which is located here.

A black plastic bezel is attached to the watch’s stainless steel case. Some manufacturers provide a bezel that can be rotated to allow the purchaser to measure elapsed time. Skmei considers this practice frivolous; so much so that they have used six shiny screws to secure their bezel firmly in place.

The dial is gray. Silvery inserts mark off the hour, and a white outer ring provides the ability to keep track of minutes and seconds. The hands are attractively designed, and although they are not coated with a luminous compound, they are easy to pick out in limited light.

A solar cell occupies the top half of the dial, and a digital display is located below. This display can be back-lit at a touch of the appropriate button.

There is a flaw in the design of the dial. The brand name SKMEI is printed in white at the nine o’clock position. Due to its size and shape, I found myself sometimes mistaking it for the hour hand.

Normally, I review automatic watches. Because of my unfamiliarity with digital timepieces, I originally found it difficult to set up this watch. The procedure, however, is logical, and those familiar with digital timepieces will not experience a problem.

This watch contains a dual movement. The analog movement is adjusted by pulling out and turning the crown. The digital movement provides the date as well as the time. Four buttons protruding from this device allow the user to check the date, utilize the back-light, set an alarm, and run the stopwatch function. The push-buttons feel reasonably solid and should last for the lifetime of this watch. The Skmei 1064 emits a distinctive tic as the second hand rotates. I quite like that.

The Skmei 1064 boasts a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Considering its price range and the number of protruding buttons, you might not want to test this feature.

Watchband

The watchband is composed of rubber. It is thick at the point where it attaches to the watch, thinning and becoming very flexible throughout the remainder of its length. The buckle utilizes two pins. For those such as myself, with dubious hand and eye coordination, it is slightly more difficult to attach than a normal band. It is worth the effort. While rubber straps may be the most durable of the less expensive bands, they are also the plainest. Any attempt to improve aesthetics is appreciated.

Power Sources

The Skmei 1064 is equipped with two batteries. Another storage unit—probably a capacitor—can be charged by either sunlight or the CR2016 battery, which normally powers the digital section of this watch.

The analog section is powered by a SR626 1.5-volt battery. It is hidden within the depths of the movement, and in my opinion, not replaceable.

The digital section of the movement is powered by a CR2016 3-volt battery. This cell is not rechargeable. The CR2016 is concealed under a cover at the top of the movement. It can be replaced, but because the cover is glued down, the process would not be easy.

Solar Power

I ran a series of tests to determine the usability of the rechargeable storage unit. Unfortunately—due to testing methods best described as unsatisfactory—the results of my procedures proved contradictory.

I removed both the back cover and the SR2016 battery. During my first test, the digital display remained visible for 40 minutes. A few minutes later, I brought the watch into sunlight. The display reappeared, and enough power had remained to prevent the unit from losing track of time.

I could not repeat this result. While five seconds of sunlight proved sufficient to keep the display active for one minute, lengthier exposure to light did not extend operation in a dimly lit room. I replaced the battery, but once it was again removed, the display remained readable for only one minute.

I also ran into difficulty setting the watch while it was running on solar power.

I blame my tests. More than likely, I damaged the storage device or limited its ability to charge by depriving it of a ground. Also, leaving the watch in a hot sun-porch could very well have damaged the interior components.

My best guess is that, fully charged, the internal energy storage device will allow digital operation for up to 40 minutes. Once the display fades away, there will remain sufficient energy to power the internal clock for a limited period of time. I doubt that this grace period will extend longer than a couple of hours.

I don’t feel the average customer will bother using this watch after the battery fails. It wouldn’t be practical. On the other hand, as far as I can determine, available solar power will augment the energy provided by the battery. This could very well extend the life of the SR2016 cell.

The Manufacturer

Skmei is a brand name of the Guangzhou SKMEI Watch co., Ltd. They are located in Guangdong, mainland China. Unlike most Chinese watch brands, Skmei actually designs and manufactures many of their watches.

The brand first appeared in 2010, featuring imitations of Casio’s G-Shock watches. Since then, Skmei has introduced a wide variety of inexpensive timepieces.

Umeishi is another brand owned by this company, specializing in automatic timepieces. They tend to be expensive when compared with Skmei watches. Quite possibly, these devices are manufactured by a different company and branded with the Umeishi name.

Additional information related to the Guangzhou SKMEI Watch co., can be found in this excellent article, SKMEI Watches: Difficult to Ignore, by Always “watching” on The Watch Forum.

Specifications

Brand: Skmei

Manufacturer’s website: www.skmei.com

Condition: New with tag

Part number: Skmei 1064

Place of origin: Guangdong, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog plus digital

Movement: Quartz

Battery life: One to two years

Style: Sport

Features: Dual display, solar power, and back-light

Functions: Alarm, full calendar, and stopwatch

Band material: Rubber

Band width: 20 mm to 24 mm

Dial color: Gray

Dial window material: Hardex

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 4.7 cm

Case thickness: 1.3 cm

Weight: 99 grams (3.49 ounces)

Water resistance: Rated at 50 meters

Skmei 1064 Solar Powered Watch

Visual Appeal

The manufacturer has managed to jam an analog display, a digital readout, and a solar cell into the dial without noticeable clutter. They’ve even provided a wrist strap, which exhibits a degree of flair. For those who appreciate size and weight, the Skmei 1064 is an appealing watch.

Overall Impression

I damaged the solar charging system while conducting my tests. If you refrain from messing around with the watch’s inner working, you will not experience this problem. The Skmei 1064 is solidly built and should provide yeoman service over a lifetime of one to two years. Then it can be replaced for less than $10. You can’t beat that.

Lately, watch manufacturers are producing a wide variety of dual movement timepieces. It seems a bit strange; why would anyone need a watch that displays the time using two different methods? Please take the time to fill in the survey provided below.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can you suggest a better option to Skemi 1064? I am looking for a solar powered watch, especially something that has a dual system like 1064.

Answer: I really like One Eleven's CMP0002. It, however, costs far more than the Skmei.

Comments

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on January 07, 2020:

The batteries in this watch are not intended to be replaced and no manual is available (as far as I know).

digisiedibeta@gmail.com on January 07, 2020:

How can I replace both two batteries technically? please send the manual.

Allen Chen on November 09, 2018:

I have a 1064 SKMEI watch. I like to know how to adjust the date and time

Thanks

allen@jofforts.com

TvD96 on October 13, 2018:

Cool!

Cindy is an expert at living on a shoestring budge having learned how to be frugal, find deals and earn a little extra cash online.

If you want to create your own coil bracelets, just follow these easy steps. Coil bracelets are one size fits all and make great gifts or stocking stuffers! You can get as creative as you want and own jewelry that is one-of-a-kind!

Materials

The tools you need to get started can all be bought in a craft supply store. They are inexpensive to purchase. You will use them over and over again as you design more of your own jewelry.

You will need:

• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Memory wire bracelet coil
• Beads

Have fun buying beads for your jewelry. You can buy gemstones, crystals, plastic beads, wooden beads—there are so many to choose from! Another way to get beads is to buy old beaded jewelry at thrift stores and take it apart to use the beads in your own creations.

Cut Your Wire

Decide how long you want your bracelet to be. Four to six loops is average, but it depends on the beads you're using and the look you want. Small beads can look great on four loops while chunkier beads make a statement on seven or eight loops. For this project, I'll cut five loops, because I'm using small seed beads.

Secure One End

Take your needle nose pliers and make a tiny loop at one end of your bracelet wire to keep the beads from falling off.

Begin Beading

Start stringing your beads onto the wire. You can use all one kind of bead for an elegant look or mix them up for a more playful effect. Mix up the colors, sizes, and types of beads to create different looks.

If you don't have some kind of a bead tray or organizer for your beads, use small bowls. Alternatively, you can lay a towel down and place small piles of beads on that so they don't roll around. It helps if you can see and easily get at all the beads you have to work with.

Continue to add beads until you reach about a 1/2 " from the end.

Finishing Touches

Continue to add beads until you reach about a 1/2 " from the end. Now, you want to take your needle nose pliers and make another tiny loop, securing the beads again.

There you have it! You just created a unique, beautiful bracelet! These bracelets make great gifts and can even be sold online for a profit on sites like Etsy.

© 2015 GroovyGirl

Comments

GroovyGirl (author) from New England on August 24, 2015:

I just learned how to reply to my comments so I wanted to thank you for yours. This would be a great craft for a birthday party!

peachy from Home Sweet Home on February 24, 2015:

great craft for girls. Maybe i will do it for my niece birthday

I am a full-time mom, part-time researcher, and part-time jewelry designer.

While many might disagree, I prefer to remove tarnish from my silver jewelry or silverware by chemically reversing the actual tarnish process. I use three simple household ingredients: water, aluminum foil, and baking soda. Try searching for these ingredients and you will find remarkably consistent instructions across several websites: Place your jewelry pieces or silver on top of crumpled aluminum foil and sprinkle baking soda over them generously. Pour boiling water until the jewelry is covered. Wait 10 minutes, remove the jewelry, and rinse it under hot water. Pat until thoroughly dry and let sit out overnight. Repeat as necessary.

This is all straightforward enough, but I found myself wondering, “Why 10 minutes? What if something is really tarnished? Why not let it sit longer?” “And why does the water need to be boiling?” Most websites are pretty adamant on both points: no more than 10 minutes, ever, and yes, the water has to be boiling.

Chemically speaking, tarnish is silver sulfide, and it can be reduced back to silver in a classic redox electrochemical reaction. Tarnished silver (the cathode) is placed in direct contact with an anode (the aluminum) in a saltwater bath (the baking soda solution). The saltwater facilitates the movement of electrons between the silver and aluminum. Since aluminum has a much higher affinity for sulfur atoms than silver, the silver ion is reduced back to silver, and sulfide ions are released. These bind to aluminum to form aluminum sulfide. The aluminum corrodes, and the silver turns shiny.

Kinetic Reaction Between Silver, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Aluminum

Redox reactions are kinetic. This means that electrons and ions are moving back and forth between the silver and the aluminum. So even though, mostly, the aluminum is being oxidized (corroded) and the silver, reduced, a tiny bit of aluminum is also being reduced and a tiny bit of silver is being oxidized. I could imagine that after 10 minutes, say, maybe the kinetics change so that silver gets corroded more than aluminum. For example, if all the available aluminum gets converted to aluminum sulfide, the kinetics might reverse, and the silver might re-tarnish.

I had a harder time with the boiling water assertion. Sure, boiling water would make the ions move faster, speeding everything up, but surely you could get the same results with more tepid water? This was an important question because sometimes when you rinse delicate jewelry pieces after they have been in boiling water, the sudden temperature change can crack the piece (you should always rinse the jewelry in very hot water to avoid this). Also, if you have stones that have been set with glue, cooler water just might be a little less likely than boiling water to loosen the adhesion. I decided to test these and other questions in a series of experiments.

Do you Really Need to Remove the Silver After 10 Minutes?

For the first experiment, I took a pair of highly tarnished earrings and placed one in the aluminum foil/salt water bath for the standard 10 minutes. I placed the other in a bath for 20 minutes. Except for time, I kept everything else the same: I used the same amount of water for each bath, the same amount of aluminum foil, and the same amount of baking soda.

As you can see from the "After" pictures, there wasn't a much difference between the two earrings, though maybe there was a hint less tarnish after the 20-minute bath. Certainly, the 20-minute earring did not become more tarnished, suggesting that it would be fine to leave silver in the bath for more than 10 minutes.

Do you Really Need Boiling Water?

For the second experiment, I took a second pair of earrings, also highly tarnished. I placed one in a boiling hot baking soda solution, and I placed the other one in a merely warm water baking soda solution (125 degrees out of the tap, in case anyone wonders). As with the first experiment, I kept everything else the same. I used the same amount of water, baking soda, and aluminum foil for both. Having learned that 20 minutes is at least as good as 10, I kept each earring in its respective bath for 20 minutes exactly.

As you can see, the earring placed in boiling water is visibly less tarnished than the one placed in warm tap water--but the one placed in warm tap water is still strikingly less tarnished than it was prior to being cleaned. This suggests that the redox reaction still works with warm water, but just not as fast. If you need to avoid boiling water for some reason, go ahead and just use tap water.

Do you Really Need to use a Clean Pyrex Dish to Hold Everything?

The rationale for using a clean Pyrex dish to hold your aluminum, water, silver, and baking soda is to avoid introducing other metals into the bath. Other metals might have less affinity for sulfide than silver. When that happens, you can actually increase the tarnish on your silver. If you use a metal pan, the pan might have a greater affinity for sulfide than aluminum. In that case, the pan will become tarnished. When I clean silver I create separate aluminum “boats” for every jewelry piece. Since the water bath never comes in contact with the holding pan, I have found no difference between using Pyrex, plastic, or regular glass. However, even I would never use a metal pan! There's just too great a chance that some unwanted metal ions will get into the saltwater bath.

Does the Aluminum Need to be Shiny-Side up?

No. The shiny v. dull appearance of aluminum is simply a function of the rollers used to press aluminum into foil. The chemical and physical properties of aluminum do not differ according to which side you use. This is true of cooking, by the way. It doesn’t matter whether you cover your turkey with the shiny side up or the dull side up. I didn't bother doing an experiment for this one.

Does the Aluminum Foil Need to be Crumpled?

It depends. For curved or irregularly shaped silver items, crumpling the foil may increase direct contact between it and the silver piece. This helps speed tarnish removal. For straight smooth pieces, flattened foil may have better direct contact.

Preventing Tarnish and Oxidation

Of course, you would never need to remove silver tarnish if it didn’t accumulate in the first place. In order to prevent tarnish and oxidation, you need to first understand the causes. Tarnish, as mentioned earlier, is the production of silver sulfide on the silver’s surface. This reaction must occur within a thin film of water on the silver’s surface. When the relative humidity reaches 70-80%, as might happen in an outdoors vending event, the tarnish reaction accelerates dramatically. Below 50% relative humidity, tarnish still occurs, but the rate of change is relatively constant.

Chemical impurities in the air, including organic sulfides, nitrogen oxide, and chlorine also accelerate the tarnish reaction. Fortunately, these normally occur at very low concentrations. Salts from human sweat and exposure to chlorine gas from bleach products or swimming pools are a good deal more common and can react with silver to produce silver chloride. Silver chloride is usually white or clear, but can become dark when mixed with soot or dirt.

Although it is neither oxidation nor tarnish, ultraviolet radiation can reduce ionized silver and create fine silver particles that appear black.

Tips for Preventing Tarnish and Oxidation

Now that you know the background causes of tarnish and oxidation, the following tips will make more sense:

• Store your silver pieces in a box away from light and cleaning products.
• Store your silver pieces with silica gel packets to reduce the local humidity.
• Wrap your silver pieces in jeweler’s cloth. This is cloth has been impregnated with fine silver particles. The fine silver reacts with sulfide “before it can reach” your silver.
• To really exclude humidity and prevent tarnish, you can wrap your silver with jeweler’s cloth, throw it in a box with some silica gel packs, and then put the entire contraption in a Pro-Tectant Anti-Tarnish Anti-Rust Plastic Bag. Or a thick plastic baggy (e.g., 2 mil) will do.
• If pollution is a problem in your area, consider also storing your silver with chemical adsorbents, such as zinc oxide or activated carbon.
• Wipe your silver pieces with a soft cloth after each use
• Do not wear silver jewelry when swimming

Lacquering silver will also eliminate surface water, prevent silver’s exposure to micropollutants, and absorb UV radiation. However, all lacquers break down over time and need to be reapplied. Some people may react to the various chemicals in lacquers as well. Rhodium plating is more expensive but potentially longer-lasting. It too eventually needs to be re-done. Unless you have your own plating device, you will need a jeweler to do this for you.

Polishing clothes, jewelry wipes, jewelry dips, and polishing foams physically and chemically remove tarnish molecules (that is, silver sulfide) from your jewelry. If you have a solid silver piece, this slow removal of silver molecules tends not to be a problem. For very thinly plated silver pieces however, there is risk the silver will be completely removed. Since the baking soda/aluminum foil method actually restores silver, I prefer it for plated items.

What if Your Silver is Set With Gemstones?

Most gemstones tolerate the baking soda/hot water bath just fine, including pearls. Gems set with adhesives should not be submitted to this cleaning process. Water soluble adhesives can dissolve, and even water insoluble adhesives can soften and loosen. Gemstones that most authorities recommend against placing in baking soda/hot water include amber and coral. Speaking from personal experience, I second that.

Authorities are more mixed as to whether opals can be submitted to baking soda and hot water, with some saying only Welo opals are at risk and others arguing that no opal should be submitted. Authorities are likewise mixed as to whether turquoise can be submitted to this cleaning process. I do put turquoise into my aluminum/saltwater/hot water baths. It comes out fine, but always needs to be re-polished. My personal recommendation? When in doubt, don't.

Quiz

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. What is your favorite way to clean silver?
   • Aluminum foil and salt water bath, baby!
   • Rub with jeweler's cloth
   • Silver dip
   • I prefer to let my silver tarnish to a deep black patina
   • Other

Answer Key

1. Rub with jeweler's cloth

Acknowledgments

I am indebted to Masamitsu Inaba for his discussion of the chemistry of tarnish production and prevention.

I am also indebted to you for reading my article. If you enjoyed it or learned something new, please leave a comment or rating.

Questions & Answers

Question: I had a very large silver teapot that was badly tarnished. I performed the above steps in a large aluminium stock pot with a ball of foil thrown in (not lining the pot). Now the inside of the pot has turned very dark gray. Should I be worried about cooking in this pot? Is it safe or will I be ingesting bits of silver?

Answer: Unfortunately, your aluminum pot is now corroded and the dark gray may be Aluminum sulfide. (See the redox equation above). I'm afraid I cannot answer if it is safe to use for food any more. I might direct that question to your county extension office.

Question: Can aluminum foil be reused for cleaning or household uses?

Answer: I usually just recycle used aluminum. I probably wouldn't reuse it for any food use (e.g., I wouldn't wrap food in used aluminum)

Question: Does this process hurt the silver or the aluminum?

Answer: This should not tarnish (hurt) the silver or aluminum. However, if your piece has decorative engraving with blackening agent in the grooves or edges to enhance the contrast, the blackening agent (which is just tarnish, basically) will be removed.

Question: My mom left her silver utensils in the baking soda, salt, and vinegar solution so long that the liquids dried. How do I get off the white film that will not budge off the silverware?

Answer: The cleaning solution is *only* supposed to be comprised of baking soda and hot or warm water. I think salt and vinegar could pit your silver. It sounds like you have already tried polishing it. At this point, I might take your utensils to a jeweler for more expert input! Best wishes to you.

Question: What do I do if I use a liquid silver cleaner and the piece ends up with white on it and what looks like sticky residue? Did I remove some of the protective coating?

Answer: I am going to answer a slightly different question, and perhaps it will apply. I find that, when I take some pieces out of the aluminum/baking soda/water bath, they look "raw" and white instead of silvery and mirror-like. When this happens, polishing or buffing the piece with a chamois cloth will bring back the shine. I suppose it is possible that you removed a protective coating. I suggest contacting the manufacturer of the cleaning solution for help.

Question: I did this yesterday, and my jewellery looked fine. Left it on a towel overnight (no liquids!) and now it has brown and black stains all over it. What happened? Can I reverse the damage?

Answer: I am not certain what happened. One thought might be that the jewelry had a substantial amount of a base metal in them. Another thought might be that there is enough humidity and/or air pollution where you live that overnight was all it took to re-tarnish your silver. If you are convinced your jewelry is silver, you could try repeating the foil/aluminum bath, this time towel drying the jewelry thoroughly and then placing it in a thick plastic bag with a silica desiccant. You could also go ahead and try silver polish to see if you can remove the stains.

Question: I have a sterling center place bowl, coffee tea set, and plated antique water pitcher. I’ve had them professionally cleaned and it cost a lot of money. Do you recommend this process if I can find something to submerge it in? A plastic bin? And what do you recommend for a ratio of baking soda and water?

Answer: In theory this process should work. My mother-in-law used it to clean very large silver pieces. She coated the entire surface of whatever she was cleaning with about 1/4" of baking soda. You need enough water to cover the piece, though for large pieces, you could do one half the piece, then turn it over and do the other half.

Question: Some silver cleaning products say items do not need to be in direct contact with aluminum, that the water, with soda (some add salt) creates the transfer, is that true?

Answer: Please don't add salt! The chloride in salt can permanently tarnish and pit silver. I find I get the best results if the aluminum is in close contact with the silver, but you could experiment and see if there is a difference.

Question: Received via email: Hello I would like to begin and start by saying that the baking soda and foil didn't work. My necklace was black and I had just bought it 2 weeks ago. I live in Arizona and yes I do sweat, all that I understand, now I followed the way you had described, but my necklace still did not return to the shine it was when I first bought it. Yes I am gonna go back to the location where I bought my necklace...but I am telling you that IT DIDN'T WORK!!!?

Answer: From this comment, I am not certain if you are saying it didn't return to an untarnished state or if it didn't return to a mirror shine? Depending on how tarnished a piece is, it may need multiple treatments. I have a piece that was deliberately and heavily oxidized. Unfortunately, I don't think I will ever completely remove its tarnish, even after multiple treatments. As I mentioned in the article, I find that the silver emerges from the bath looking a bit "raw" and white. When this happens, it needs to be rebuffed using a buffing cloth to bring back its shine. If local conditions cause a piece to tarnish as quickly as you describe in your note, I might suggest plating your necklace with rhodium to slow down the tarnish. This costs $$$ and has to be redone periodically. I hope this helps.

Comments

Mohammedi Siyam on May 25, 2020:

Can I use this method on my Rhodium played jewellery ?

Does baking soda cause any damage to the rhodium ?

Dell Erwin on February 13, 2020:

Why do some sites say add salt? Some vinegar.

Eleanor Hoague on November 20, 2019:

I just want to thank you for helping me and others understand the process of tarnishing and removing tarnish. Great article!

lauren on May 21, 2018:

thanks so much for posting your results. i just cleaned all my earrings and feel like i have new jewelry!

Claire, an ex-pat Montanan, ardent Progressive and former jeweler, covers NYC-based film festivals for Bright Lights Film Journal.

In a halo-style ring, the center stone is surrounded by a pavement (pavé) of little stones.

This kind of ring is in style at the moment. But in a few years, it's likely to look a little dated—that is, if the ring is well-made enough to hold up that long!

Take a look at the other two rings here. I'm betting neither of those rings makes your heart go pitter-patter. But they used to be all the rage...

Before you fill your "forever finger" with a "fashionista" ring, remember: you are going to be wearing this ring for a LONG LONG TIME.

My advice: you've got nine other fingers. Go ahead, knock yourself out there with cutting-edge design, fun, and futzy fashion rings, stackers, whatever!

But a commitment ring? It's serious business. It's serious money. This is not the time to succumb to a ring that you may, in a decade, be embarrassed to wear.

Eight Reasons Not to Buy a Halo-Style Ring

1. It's a trend. Trends end. I hope I've made my point: this style, though it can be classic, has glutted the bridal market. Halo rings are likely to drop out of favor, sooner or later.
2. Wear issues. One reason the halo ring is popular is that it's got a major bling factor. All that glitter means...a lot of maintenance. Every one of those little pavé stones is held in by teeny-tiny wispy prongs. Say there are fifty tiny diamonds in the ring: that's 200 prongs that can wear out. Re-tipping those little babies is an art. I've seen some mighty blobby re-tipping; it ruins the look of the ring. Sooner or later, you are likely to lose a small diamond. Just google, "I lost a tiny diamond from my halo engagement ring."
3. Value. You pay for all those little diamonds, and the labor to set them, but in the end, the amount of value all those diamonds add to your ring is negligible. A halo ring can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, but when it comes time to trade it in, those little diamonds don't add much to the value of your center stone.
4. Bling can be camouflage. A schmaltzy chassis might be a bad reason for you to buy that ring. All that ornamentation could be distracting you from a poor-quality diamond.
5. It's catchy. It catches sweaters, hosiery, nylon jackets, baby's delicate bottom. Halo rings, particularly those with exposed pavé, are more likely to catch and scratch. That means you'll frequently want to take the ring off—which makes it less enjoyable to own and more vulnerable to theft or loss.
6. It's everywhere! Go to a jewelry store and ask to see halo rings: they're as common as dandelions in June. If you want something unusual, look for something else.
7. It's complicated. Halo rings, just because they are so sparkly, often hide manufacturing or design flaws. Ironically, the simplest designs are often the most difficult to execute well: the eye picks up distortions much more easily when there's less distraction.
8. It may not even look good on your hand. Seriously. Look at your entire body in a big mirror, not just down at your hand. Buying an expensive ring without seeing it in context is like buying jeans without looking at your bum!

Some Halos Are Better Than Others

At least this style has been around for centuries. If you get a genuine vintage ring, there's no worry about it looking temporarily trendy—though the other concerns I listed above are still valid.

I can usually spot the real McCoy across the room.

Some halos are so obviously "imitation antique" that they remind me of those old fake "woodie" station wagons, or Formica that's obviously trying too hard to look like granite. The openwork looks sloppy, and the diamonds don't all face the same (or even in the same direction!).

Visit a skilled jeweler, not just a sales clerk. Learn what to look for, so you get what you think you are paying for!

Does Your Angel STILL Want a Halo?

If her heart is still set on a halo style, please consider these five important tips:

• Pick platinum. Platinum tends to hold onto those small diamonds more reliably than white gold, although it's more of an initial investment.
• If you can, choose a style with a bit of a "channel" or "rim" that protects the pavé from glancing blows.
• Turn the ring over and look underneath. The metal should be well-finished. Thick, too. It might not be perfectly smooth, but the ring should look solid.
• If possible, have the ring made to your size. Sizing a ring that's encrusted with tiny diamonds can be difficult—those little diamonds are more likely to fall out after sizing.
• Get a backup ring—a simple band to wear when you're more active. Just a wisp of gold, or something reasonably priced and totally wearable. You don't want a crooked halo after a day of boating or gardening!

Finally, don't rely on a jewelry-store warranty to replace small diamonds that come out: you may be told that YOU created the problem, and "wear issues" are most often not covered by in-store warranties. Even if the store agrees to replace your lost tiny diamond(s), the repair may compromise the structural integrity of your ring. After all, you can have fifty, a hundred, even two hundred tiny diamonds on your finger.

What Else Is There?

There are sure a lot of halos out there, but before you buy, ask your jeweler to price out a nice solitaire (wide or narrow, flowing or straight, whatever looks and feels best). For the same budget, you can soup up your engine and not have to deal with all the maintenance issues of a detailed chassis.

I also like a solitaire with two bands, one on each side of a solitaire. Or even a three-stone ring. Because if you get bored with a three-stone ring, you have an instant suite: necklace and matching earrings. On the other hand, if you scrap out a halo, all you have is the high labor costs of putting those tiny rocks into some other vulnerable setting.

I don't see that many trilliant-accented rings out there (with triangular gems alongside the center stone). They can be so cool, and they never go out of style.

Here are a few ideas:

You might try browsing Google Images or Bing for ideas. Find a great diamond, then look for rings that flatter that shape. Search "oval engagement rings," or "three-stone Asscher cut rings" for ideas. Always get the website URL for your jeweler! (Nothing is more frustrating for a bride-to-be than finding the perfect ring online once, then never finding it again).

Keep in mind that you are much better off finding a stock setting from Stuller or Overnight Mountings than you are putting together a custom ring: that's always costly.

© 2014 BaizBlogger

Comments

Baizblogger on January 09, 2020:

That's great, Beth! As I said in the article, the style has been around for centuries. Still, modern versions are often "me too" rings, and you can't dispute the monetary value of one larger diamond solitaire vs. the same investment made on a smaller diamond surrounded by tiny gemstones. There's upkeep, too, on six prongs versus sixty or more, especially those micro-set diamonds with hair-thin prongs. You've been married almost as long as I have -- we both deserve "halos" for our love & commitment to our life partners.

Beth on January 09, 2020:

My engagement ring of 30 years ago is a halo, albeit the small stones are more substantial, not micro. I still love it. How are halos too trendy to last if my 30 year old ring doesn't look old fashioned?

Jewelrdesigner on September 16, 2018:

Your engagement ring may be the most emotionally worn piece of jewelry you will ever own, bought with love and worn for love. There are, however, some practical considerations to think about. It is an undeniable fact that most trends fall out of favor and people do tire of them. Trends are embraced because of their wide appeal so it is easy to get caught up in one. I have seen some beautiful halo rings, but, they certainly are a trend. A classic design proves to be timeless, accepted as a thing of style and beauty for generations. Even classic designs start as trends,of course, such things are exceptions not the rule. I think the point of this article is to warn a fashion forward bride to take some time and think about long term wearability for such a significant purchase that is a current trend. Of course, if you just have to have the halo, go for it! It is your ring. Just make an informed decision. I don’t think the author wanted to hurt anyone. In the end, if the bride is happy, all is well.

Jamie on September 15, 2018:

This article and particular comments prove how bitchy women can be! Way to go! Can't believe I've wasted my time

Lulu on August 16, 2018:

Who pays you to crush people’s dreams? I think if your opinions on other people’s things are that formed, you need something more to do with your time. This isn’t an advisable article, it’s just highbrow tormenting. Get the ring you want and love it no matter what anyone says.

tonysam on March 06, 2018:

Don't care for "halo" rings. They will go out of style. I will take a solitaire any day of the week. My late mother's 1.5-carat flawless solitaire is better than any halo ring.

Caitlin on February 09, 2018:

This article amounts to “I think halos are ugly/trendy so no one should get one.” All sorts of rings have pave details, not just halos; I don’t see why these are so much more impractical And the rings at the top are obviously garish. Not that some halos aren’t totally over the top, but there’s nothing about a simple pave ring detail that necessarily won’t age well.

Worth noting I do not have a halo ring! but I do think some are nice. Like any ring style, there are simple ones and over the top and ultimately your ring is no one else’s business.

Apes on January 15, 2018:

Awesome read! I also love my solitaire ring for those reasons. And second I’m not the typical girl with the halo ring. Lol

Karen HH on August 12, 2017:

Terrific comment. I do believe it will be a dated look very soon. Nice to see it written here too.

Sophia on December 19, 2016:

I just received my 2 carat pear solitaire and it's perfect. I avoided halo for all of the reasons you listed above. Also, the girls I know who've desperately wanted halo rings are trying to make their center stone look bigger. I say, either rock the small or get a bigger ring. Don't make people say "Oh what a great looki- ooh.. it's actually really small" when they see your hand. LOL

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on August 04, 2016:

A center diamond in a halo ring can often be used in an updated design. Those tiny diamonds that make up a halo? They cost more to be re-set than they are worth...I'm all for people getting their heart's desire, but an informed consumer might choose a more practical, timeless design or modify the halo to be more durable.

Stephanie on August 04, 2016:

I disagree with you. A diamond is forever, and can be brought up to date by having reset in another ring.

Don't crush people's wishes and desires.

Tania on March 29, 2016:

AWESOME READ ...funny !!!

Alli Rose Smith from Washington, DC on October 05, 2014:

I like the title to your hub.

Jewelry for Men

The popularity of jewelry among men has seen its share of highs and lows throughout history; it’s fair to say that today, most men know very little about jewelry, but that is changing.

In recent years, more men have begun adorning themselves with jewelry in an effort to reconnect with their creative, aesthetic side. As you will discover, men’s jewelry today is styled (and often ornately) into artworks with some historical, natural, sociocultural, or ethnocentric reference.

This guide is your introduction to some of the brands and designers of men’s jewelry. I've focused on designers who specialize in jewelry—fashion houses (e.g. Gucci, D&G, etc.) who produce jewelry only as part of a large line of accessories were intentionally excluded.

Armenta

Armenta is a line of hand-crafted jewelry designed by Spanish jeweler Emily Armenta. Emily draws her inspiration from the Spanish poet Lorca and early Spanish and Moorish architecture. Armenta offers some of the most unique men’s jewelry you will find; it’s old world, romantic, enchanting, and looks like something you might find in a sunken treasure chest.

To learn more, visit Armenta.

Buccellati

Buccellati is a family-owned Italian jewelry design house that has been in operation for over 100 years. Each piece is delicately hand-crafted using old world techniques.

To learn more, visit Buccellati.

Caputo & Co.

Caputo & Co., founded by New York-based designer Alex Caputo, produces leather accessories made from eco-friendly leather. The Caputo style draws upon a mix of American and Central America influence.

To learn more, visit Caputo & Co.

Cartier

Cartier is a French luxury jeweler and watch manufacturer. Dubbed the “King of Jewelers,” Cartier is worn by a number of royals and celebrities. Various pieces of the men’s jewelry collection are adaptations from the women’s collections (e.g. Panthere, Trinity de Cartier, etc.). However, some styles were borrowed from the men’s watch collection (e.g. men’s Tank ring).

To learn more, visit Cartier.

Catherine Zadeh

Catherine Zadeh is a New York-based designer born in Iran whose jewelry is inspired by art and architecture, designed with a modern edge, and described as "urban chic."

To learn more, visit Catherine Zadeh.

Charriol

Charriol is a Hong Kong-based jeweler founded by Philippe Charriol. Jewelry by Charriol is described as sophisticated and sporty; the jewelry is inspired by the twisted cable designs of the ancient Celts.

To learn more, visit Charriol.

David Yurman

David Yurman is an American luxury jeweler. David Yurman’s signature design is the cable bracelet he introduced in the mid-1980s that remains popular to this day. The men’s collection features bold, sterling looks accented with exotic stones and occasionally pave diamonds or other precious stones.

To learn more, visit David Yurman.

Deakin & Francis

Deakin & Francis manufactures some of the world's finest cufflinks made from vitreous enamel and fine gemstones. The company was founded in 1786 by Charles Deakin in England.

To learn more, visit Deakin & Francis.

Dean Harris

Dean Harris is a self-taught jewelry designer born and raised in New York. His jewelry is inspired by nature and designed to appear organic and natural.

To learn more, visit Dean Harris.

Dolan Bullock

Dolan Bullock is an American brand established in 1917 that makes men's cufflinks, tie accessories, pendants, and bracelets; the jewelry features traditional, classic designs and is mostly made in the United States.

To learn more, visit Dolan Bullock.

Eddie Borgo

Eddie Borgo is an American jewelry designer who introduced his first collection in 2008; Eddie draws upon a number of rock-and-roll references in his designs, which are described as part punk and part architectural.

To learn more, visit Eddie Borgo.

GTO London

GTO London was founded in 2010 by Victoria Lyon. This jewelry line evolved out of a passion for classic cars, Ferraris in particular. Each piece of jewelry is inspired by the interiors and components (and in some cases made from the same materials) that make up these automobiles.

To learn more, visit GTO London.

hook + ALBERT

hook + ALBERT designs men's accessories that are modern and colorful. If you're looking for traditional, you'll need to look elsewhere. hook + ALBERT offers a truly unique set of jewelry and men's accessories unlike anything else on the market.

To learn more, visit hook + ALBERT.

Ippolita

Ippolita was founded in 1999 by artist and designer Ippolita Rostagno; the company designs some of the the finest, most elegant men's jewelry on the market. These pieces are made to be worn every day, for all occasions.

To learn more, visit Ippolita.

Jan Leslie

Jan Leslie designs men's accessories, most notably cufflinks made from hand-painted enamel and semi-precious stones. Her jewelry is vibrant and fun and features a wide range of motifs, from animals to sports paraphernalia.

To learn more, visit Jan Leslie.

John Hardy

John Hardy is a Hong Kong-based luxury jewelry design company founded by Canadian John Hardy. His jewelry is inspired by nature and the art of Asia, combining traditional Balinese and classical European jewelry-making techniques. The men’s jewelry can be characterized as bold, exotic, and somewhat mystical.

To learn more, visit John Hardy.

King Baby Studio

Founded by Mitchell Binder, King Baby Studio features edgy motifs like skulls and daggers–it’s half rock and roll and half outlaw biker. King Baby is also the de facto jeweler to the rock stars. The men’s jewelry will draw out the rebel in any man with its heavy, bold designs.

To learn more, visit King Baby Studio.

Konstantino

Konstantino jewelry gathers its inspiration from Byzantine architecture, Greek mythology, and ancient Greek art. Created by Konstantino Sioulas, this line of jewelry is well known for its unique designs and craftsmanship. The men’s jewelry features a stylistic quality that is gallant, heroic, and mythical.

To learn more, visit Konstantino.

Maison Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela is a Belgian fashion designer known for his eccentric and ground-breaking designs. His jewelry is bold and confident.

To learn more, visit Maison Martin Margiela.

Mateo Bijoux

Mateo Bijoux was founded by Jamaican born designer Mateo De La Harris; this jewelry line boasts a modern collection of men's jewelry inspired by metropolitan living.

To learn more, visit Mateo Bijoux.

Miansai

Miansai is an American boutique jeweler that makes all its jewelry in-house with a team of 30 skilled craftsman and artisans. There is a strong nautical theme running through the line with the use of anchors and hooks as design elements.

To learn more, visit Miansai.

Monique Pean Homme

Monique Pean is a New York-based designer known for her one-of-a kind designs, avant-garde style, and use of unique materials like fossilized dinosaur or wooly mammoth bone.

To learn more, visit Monique Pean Home.

Ravi Ratan

Ravi Ratan is one of the leading designers in men’s luxury cufflinks. You will find high quality sterling silver infused with precious metals, stones, and enamels in his enormous collection.

To learn more, visit Ravi Ratan.

Robin Rotenier

Robin Rotenier is a French jewelry designer who creates chic, modern collections of men’s necklaces and cufflinks made from precious metals and stones. His jewelry designs are inspired by objects and architecture.

To learn more, visit Robin Rotenier.

Scott Kay

Scott Kay's aesthetic is based on the history and importance of weaving. For centuries, artisans have woven strength and beauty into baskets, fine carpets, and fabrics. This line of men’s jewelry is emblematic of both that ancient tradition and the common thread that bonds us.

To learn more, visit Scott Kay.

Stephen Webster

Stephen Webster is a leading British jewelry designer who creates dramatic men’s jewelry with a glam-rock flair. His designs can be edgy and dark, but also sparkly and glamorous.

To learn more, visit Stephen Webster.

Tateossian

Tateossian began as a designer of cufflinks but with remarkable success has expanded, offering a full line of men's jewelry. The jewelry is contemporary, fashion-forward, and unusual.

To learn more, visit Tateossian.

Tiffany & Co.

An American icon, Tiffany & Co. has been one of the world’s premier jewelers since the mid 1800s. The style of men’s jewelry offered at Tiffany & Co. is adapted from classic styles seen in the women’s jewelry collections (e.g. Return to Tiffany, Atlas, etc.). However, Tiffany does offer some unique styles specific to just the men’s jewelry line (e.g. Paloma’s Zellige).

To learn more, visit Tiffany & Co.

Trafalgar

Trafalgar is a New York-based company that manufactures men's jewelry and accessories that are considered traditional and classic in style.

To learn more, visit Trafalgar.

Trianon

Trianon is a designer of men's cufflinks based in New York and known for their unusual combinations of precious and exotic materials. Each piece is designed out of their New York workshop.

To learn more, visit Trianon.

Tod's

Tod's is an Italian-based leather goods designer. They offer an assortment of men's accessories, including men's leather bracelets. Each piece is hand-made in Italy.

To learn more, visit Tod's.

Triton

Triton takes a unique approach to jewelry by creating contemporary jewelry designs that are considered perhaps more masculine than other designers. Rather than using precious metals like gold and silver, most of their jewelry is “engineered” from metals like titanium, cobalt, and tungsten carbide. Their jewelry designs are inspired by simple patterns and common icons like skulls and crossbones, Celtic weaves, and other elements found in nature.

To learn more, visit Triton.

What do you think?

Comments

Lee Russell on July 26, 2020:

These are indeed some really good options thanks for sharing with us :)

Jerry on February 01, 2020:

Good art of Hollywood is the best for rockers,bikers etc

Joe tom on November 05, 2019:

Why isn't Jawa jewelers listed? I bought much variety of jewelry from www.jawajewelers.com and am extremely satisfied with their low price and good quality.

Ironman Ed on May 23, 2017:

Why isn't William Henry listed? I have several of their pieces and am extremely satisfied with their products.

Joe H on February 20, 2017:

Why isnt M Cohen and Nialaya listed? Both are great companies!

Fran1981 on December 27, 2016:

These are mesmerizing! Another favorite men's jewelry brand of mine is Deific Jewelry. I just love their bold, purely handcrafted designs. Already got a bracelet from their collection for my hubby as a gift and he was totally impressed!

Roberto on July 22, 2016:

One of my favorite brands are Lugdun Artisans www.Lugdun.com . They have an awesome style for men with heavy bulky sterling silver rings, necklaces and bracelets. The best skull rings I have ever seen!

Camden on March 08, 2016:

Yea, It is a shame that LazaroSoHo.com was excluded. Many that you listed are imitators.

Carlos on February 04, 2016:

Odd that M. Cohen is not listed. It's grown from underground cult following to one of the most popular and trendsetting brands in men's accessories.

Karen Garrison on December 27, 2015:

#ILoveIt

Quotes Lover on January 09, 2014:

Dean Harris must be on top

Marie YoungCain from California on January 01, 2014:

This was a very well put together Hub and I enjoyed reading it and all of the detailed information that you gave, I personally like bracelets and necklaces and cuff links.

Neha on December 26, 2013:

Awesome hubs. Never knew there is so much market in the mens jewelry. May be i will buy some of them for my hubby this season.

Thanks

John Hollywood from Hollywood, CA on December 26, 2013:

Interesting article and I can see you put a lot of time into this one. Might help to reduce the number of poll selections - perhaps provide a handful of choices?

I really like your hubs!

- Mister Hollywood

Scientist and author, Beth enjoys the beauty and craftsmanship of real gold jewelry.

How to Test Gold Quality at Home

Jewelers and gold dealers carry out a metal assay (or test) before they purchase a gold item. This is the only sure way to find out if an object is made of real gold. An assay test kit contains several different solutions of dilute nitric acid and a touchstone. The touchstone is made of a dark acid-resistant rock such as slate. The jeweler rubs the gold object gently across the touchstone so that it leaves a streak mark. They then apply each of the acid solutions in turn to the mark. The higher the gold content of the metal, the less of it will vanish when acid is applied. Assay kits can be bought on-line for home use, so you can check the karat of your own gold items. I use this Gold Jewelry Acid Solutions Test Kit. The kit consists of six small bottles of acid (one for each type of metal to be tested), and a testing stone.

How to Carry Out an Assay Test

1. Softly scratch the item of jewelry with the testing stone, so that it leaves a gold mark on the touchstone.
2. Place a drop from an acid bottle on the mark. Start with the lowest karat value test and then work upwards.
3. If the gold mark doesn’t change in color, or dissolve, then it is of a higher karat than the assay.
4. Continue testing with the higher-karat acid bottles, and repeat until the gold mark starts to change or dissolve. This will indicate that its karat is less than that written on the label of the last acid bottle you used.

How to Test Gold Karat Using Assay Chemicals and Touchstone

How Do Jewelers Test Gold and Why Do You Often Only Get Scrap Value?

Jewelers are shrewd business people. The value of gold fluctuates from day to day. Their ability to accurately assess the value of gold items is essential for them to turn a profit. Their offer to you will be related to the price they can achieve when selling on the item. They use science (objective) and experience (subjective) to test gold.

1. A jeweler will examine your gold trinket using a loupe magnifying glass. I always take a 20 x jeweler's loupe with me when buying jewelry so that I can do the same. Using a loupe means the fine detail of any hallmarks can be read. The jeweler will check the authenticity of the hallmark and feel the weight of the item.
2. Using acid and a touchstone, they will check the karat value of the metal. The chemical reaction of nitric acid on gold demonstrates the alloy content of the object.
3. If the jeweler is satisfied with the result thus far, he will look at the quality of workmanship and the integrity of the item. If it is badly damaged, or of poor (tourist) quality, you are unlikely to be offered any more than scrap value.

Bars of gold are an investment vehicle by themselves and turning them into jewelry often does not increase their commercial value. The resale value of secondhand gold jewelry depends on supply and demand and there may be little demand for old-fashioned or dated pieces. Unless an item is individually crafted and of exquisite quality, second-hand values are low as the jeweler will simply be selling them on to be melted down into gold ingots for investors.

Karat Rating Measures Gold Purity

Karat (spelled "carat" in the UK) tells you the percentage of real gold in your jewelry relative to other metals. It indicates the fineness and quality of your item. The higher the karat value, the greater the proportion of actual gold metal in your object. An 18 karat gold ring will be made from 75% pure gold and 25% base metal (or alloy). A 9 karat gold ring will contain only 37.5% pure gold. In the US and Canada, the most frequently used karat values are 14 karat and 18 karat (meaning 58.5% and 75% gold respectively). In the UK, 9, 18 and 24 carat gold are the most frequently used alloys.

Assay Marks and Hallmarks

Hallmarks show that an assay test has been carried out on the gold object to confirm its karat rating. The reliability of the hallmark depends upon the country of origin. State-controlled assay offices imprint a mark onto the gold showing the year and place of assay together with the percentage of gold found, or the karat rating. The hallmark is very small so you may need a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to see it clearly.

How to Tell if Gold is Real or Fake

The acid test described above is the best way to determine whether or not an item is made from real gold. There are other ways to tell if your gold is fake, but they may not give such a clear result.

• Look at the color: The deeper the orange-yellow color, the higher the karat.
• Weight of the item: Too light indicates it's been adulterated with a lesser metal. Gold is heavy. You can feel the weight of it in your hand. Be suspicious if an object is lightweight. Gold-plated items may fool you by looking like solid gold until you judge their weight.
• Sound quality: Pure gold has a distinct acoustic signature.
• Malleability: Pure gold is a very soft metal and will dent easily. A gold-plated item and fake gold items will be harder because they have been crafted from tougher base metal.
• Use a magnet: Gold is not attracted to a magnet; a reaction indicates iron is present.
• Check the hallmark: Are the assay marks clear and from a country you trust? On real gold, a hallmark should clearly show the year and location of the assay test center. Consult reference books to confirm that you have a genuine hallmark. Be aware that on older or well-worn pieces, the hallmark may be illegible or missing.
• Carry out an assay test: Genuine gold does not react with nitric acid. A lesser metal or fake gold will foam or dissolve when a drop of nitric acid is applied. Wear protective clothing as you are handling acid.
• Price: Compare prices before buying so that you have a good idea of the correct market value. Remember the old adage. "If the price sounds too good to be true, then it probably is."

Gold Varies in Color From White to Red

There are many variations in the color of gold, ranging from white through to deepest red. Pure gold is a deep golden yellow orange. In its purest state it is very soft and although this makes it very easy to work with, for everyday use a harder metal is needed. Pure gold is therefore combined with a cheaper base metal to form an alloy. Copper or silver are commonly used in combination with gold to strengthen it. Thus what is commonly referred to as white gold has a high proportion of silver in the alloy. Similarly red gold contains a lot of copper in the alloy.

What Acid is Used in Gold Testing Kits?

Nitric acid is used to test the purity of gold objects. Gold is the only metal that is dissolved by this acid. A tiny scrape of the gold item is placed on a touchstone. Nitric acid reacts when brushed onto real gold and you will see fizzing if your gold jewlelry is genuine. A retail metal testing kit (I recommend a good one in the first paragraph of this article) consists of several different strengths of acid solution. The different levels of nitric acid enable you to test for different karat numbers.

How to Spot 9, 14, 18, 22, and 24 Carat Gold

• 24 carat: 99.9% pure gold. It is highly valuable but very soft and not usually used to make fine jewellery.
• 22 carat: 91.6% pure gold. Also very soft, so not ideal for stone set jewellery. It is used for plain gold jewellery, such as wedding bands.
• 18 carat: 75% gold and contains metal alloys for strength and color. White metals are added to create white gold. Copper is added to create rose gold.
• 14 carat: It contains just 58.5% gold content which makes it more affordable.
• 9 carat: 37.5% gold has a high percentage of other metals, making it stronger and cheaper to buy.

Can Vinegar be Used To Test Gold?

Vinegar (ascetic acid) can be used to clean some metals. It is not really a testing fluid, it is more of a cleaning agent. If you rub an object made of pure gold with neat vinegar it will remove marks and leave your jewelry shiny and clean. However, if the metal is not real gold, the acid will cause pitting (small holes) on the surface and your ring or bracelet will be damaged.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Alison draws on many years' experience researching natural remedies and products to use for health, home care and cleaning in her articles.

Learning how to clean earrings can save you money by keeping your costume jewelry looking as good as new and by avoiding the cost of having fine jewelry professionally cleaned. For pierced ears, the hygiene factor is also very important to protect your ears from infection, especially in newly pierced ears.

This guide to cleaning your earrings is divided into two sections:

1. How to Clean Fine Jewelry Earrings
2. How to Clean Costume Jewelry Earrings

All the information supplied can be used for cleaning other jewelry pieces, too.

How to Clean Your Fine Jewelry Earrings

Hair styling products and sprays, perfume and cosmetics can all leave a fine film on the surface of gemstones. Examine the setting every time you clean to avoid losing precious stones. Any loose stones or damaged claws will be cheaper to re-set or have the points restored than replacing the lost stone.

If your earrings contain gemstones or semiprecious stones, refer to the gemstone cleaning guide and care notes below.

What You'll Need

• A jewelry cleaning brush or a very soft bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush works best)
• A bowl containing either plain warm (not hot) water or water with a small amount of detergent free liquid soap.
• A soft lint-free cloth for polishing and drying.
• A hairdryer (optional but useful for drying intricate earrings provided you use it on a cool heat setting as some stones can be damaged by heat).

Instructions

1. Gently brush the surface of the earring or use the cloth if indicated in the notes below.
2. If you have used a soap solution, use a soft cloth wrung out in fresh clean water to rinse the earrings before drying. Some stones get a film on them if soap residue is left on.
3. Dry using a clean lint free cloth or your hairdryer.

Gemstone Cleaning Guide

Care Notes for Specific Stones

The table above provides a guide for cleaning the most common Gemstones in jewelry - I have included pearls and coral in this section too.

Additional Notes

• Amber must never be immersed in water - to clean, use a well wrung-out lint-free cloth to wipe the surface and then dry immediately. Restore shine to amber by rubbing with your fingertip dipped in sweet almond oil before polishing with a soft, clean cloth.
• Coral should only be lightly wiped with a soft damp cloth, do not immerse coral in water.
• Turquoise should not be immersed in water, wipe clean with a damp cloth only.
• Opals are best cleaned without wetting by using a piece of silk. If you do use water, or soapy water, avoid soaking and just clean with a damp cloth.

• Pearls must not be soaked or exposed to acid or alkaline cleaners. Wipe pearls with a soft damp cloth when you take them off. When storing your pearls, remember that their surface is soft and can be damaged by gemstones or metal. Ideally store them in their own jewelry pouch and, like opals, they should never be stored in an airtight container, they need to breathe! Never use chemical cleaners on pearls, or the semi-precious stones opals, coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli or malachite.

Using an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners are very popular as a way of cleaning precious metals without gemstones. They are also suitable for cleaning some gemstone set earrings (but please see the exclusion list and the table above as a guide for which stones should not be cleaned in this way).

An ultrasonic machine sets up vibrations that are brilliant at loosening tiny particles of dirt but which may also loosen stones in their settings, so keep a careful eye on these if you use this type of cleaner.

For more precious earrings, get the stones checked at least once a year to ensure they are secure.

Ultrasonic Cleaning Dos and Do Nots!

Do

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner for all created gemstones EXCEPT Emeralds.
• Precious and semi-precious stones that you can clean in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine include Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Amethysts and Citrines

Do Not

• Use an Ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine for earrings containing amber, coral, kunzite, lapis lazuli, opal, turquoise, pearls or emeralds.

How to Clean Sterling Silver Earrings

If your earrings have no stones, use a silver polish on a soft cloth or soft bristled brush. This will remove tarnish and tiny particles of dirt. Never use any harsh jewelry cleaning solutions or expose silver jewelry to chorine (so it's not a good idea to wear your earrings when swimming).

Windex makes a great cleaner for sterling silver jewelry and can be applied on the bristles of a soft brush.

After cleaning via either method, rinse in warm water before drying. A special silver polishing cloth can really restore a lovely shine once more.

To keep your silver earrings shiny, wipe them gently with a soft cloth after wearing and store them inside an earring box or jewelry pouch so they are kept separate from other metals in your jewelry box.

Cleaning Precious Metal Earrings Without Stones

Gold

This is very easy to clean and take care of. Just use a solution of warm water and detergent free liquid soap. With earrings, a small, soft bristled brush is ideal to gently brush the surface of the earring before rinsing in warm water and drying, either with a soft cloth or with a cool hairdryer.

Remember that the higher the karat of your gold, the purer and softer it will be. 9k gold (often also stamped 375 is the lowest and therefore the hardest.

The higher the karat, and therefore the purer the gold, will mean it is more expensive and softer, so to protect your gold earrings from damage store them in earring boxes or soft jewelry pouches.

Platinum

Clean platinum earrings in the same way as gold above or soak them in mild jewelry cleaner if there are no gemstones in the design.

Gold- and Silver-Plated Earrings

Treat gently with a little liquid soap in warm water and a very soft bristled brush. You can polish them after rinsing and drying. Use the appropriate cloth for the metal plating but be very gentle to avoid wearing away the surface.

Cut Down on the Need for Cleaning Your Earrings

• Always wipe each earring with a soft cloth after wearing. Cotton cloths are best for this purpose. Do not use paper tissues as these can leave scratches on the surface.
• Store each pair of earrings separately from other pieces of jewelry so that they do not get scratched.
• Always apply your makeup, perfume and hairspray before putting on your earrings.
• Take earrings out before swimming or using a hot tub. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can damage metals (including gold) and some gem stones and this is particularly the case when the water is heated as in a hot tub or jacuzzi. Sea water can also damage jewelry.
• Store your earrings away from direct sunlight if you like to have them on display and protect them from extremes of temperature.
• Take earrings out before exercising or wipe them clean afterwards to remove perspiration which can tarnish and damage them.

How to Clean Your Costume Jewelry Earrings

The first rule of cleaning costume jewelry is to be very gentle and avoid using any ammonia or vinegar. Soap should also be avoided so the best cleaner is simply water. However, you should not immerse any costume jewelry earrings that have stones because water could weaken the adhesive fixing the stones in place.

Care Tips

The very best way to ensure costume jewelry earrings stay bright and sparkling is:

1. Ensure you clean the wires or posts of your earrings (if they are designed for pierced ears) after each wearing. A simple wipe with a soft damp cloth followed by drying immediately will suffice.
2. If your earrings are clip on, clean the surface that has been in contact with your ears as above.
3. Clean your earrings regularly, using plain water and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid wetting the earrings any more than is absolutely necessary.
4. Dry your earrings immediately after cleaning and make sure they are completely dry before you put them away. Often the easiest way to dry them is by using a hairdryer set on a very cool setting. Hold onto them to ensure they don't blow away!

Clean Your Earrings Little and Often

I hope you have found this roundup of how to clean earrings of all types useful. It is as complete as I could make it - but if you have tips for cleaning stones or metals that I have not mentioned, please leave a comment below.

Finally, while I have researched all the information carefully, you should always consult a professional jeweler before attempting to clean precious pieces yourself as the information I have provided is for guidance only and should not replace professional advice for ensuring that cleaning your earrings is done safely and without any possibility of damage to the metal, stones or settings.

Comments

Jessica Peri from United States on June 21, 2013:

I keep saying that I am going to get my ears pierced so I can wear some earrings. Once I finally take the plunge, it's good to know that I'll know how to clean them, too. Voted up!

Alison Graham (author) from UK on April 26, 2013:

Thank you for the vote up and share Lee. This was one hub I really enjoyed researching and had not realized that some gemstones are porous and should not be immersed in water - so I learned some very useful information for cleaning my own jewelry!

L.L. Woodard from Oklahoma City on April 26, 2013:

Invaluable information here; thanks for assembling it and bringing it to our attention. I found the table you've provided for the cleaning of various stones and settings particularly helpful.

Great hub; voted up and Shared.

I love to share my experiences and passion for the things I love. Collecting rare gemstones is one of my many interests.

When most people think of precious gems or stones, they usually think of Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies. These gemstones are commonly referred to in the jewelry industry as "The Big Four."

Other gemstones that many consider precious are Alexandrite, Topaz, Opal, or Tanzanite.

What makes these gemstones precious gemstone verses semi-precious gemstones or just plain old rocks?

Common Misconseptions About Precious Gems

There are a number of common misconceptions about precious gems or gemstones, especially the Big Four.

Rarity

One of the most common misconceptions about Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds is that they are the rarest gemstones in the world.

All gemstones are rare to some degree. Whether it be Tanzanite from Africa or Rubies from Sri Lanka.

The special circumstances that are required to create a gemstone, pressures, heat, combinations of unique minerals, all come together to form a gem or gemstone.

When we look however, at how rare one gemstone is compared to another, there are many gemstones that are much rarer than the gemstones that are known as the "Big Four"; Rubies, Emeralds, Diamonds, and Sapphires.

For example, Red Beryl is much rarer than any of the so-called precious gemstones commanding a hefty price of nearly $10,000.00 per Carat.

Value

Many believe that the "Big Four" are the most valuable and expensive gemstones in the world. There are many examples of gemstones that are much more valuable than any of the "Big Four" gemstones.

High-quality Jadeite can exceed the price per carat of the most costly diamonds with a hefty price of nearly $3,000,000.00 per carat.

Factors Affecting the Value of Gemstones

People often refer to the "Four C's" when referring to the value of a diamond. These same characteristics can apply to many other gemstones as well.

The "Four C's" are:

• Cut
• Clarity
• Carat Size
• Color

Color

The color is also a factor in the value of a gemstone. In the case of sapphires for example, a specific color of red commands a higher price than does many of the other colors of sapphire. The specific color of red sapphire is called a Ruby.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the flaws or inclusions that are in the gemstone. It can also refer to any external imperfections that the gemstone may have.

Clarity can have a tremendous effect on the value of a gemstone. Finding a "perfect" natural gemstone in certain types of gems such as Emerald can be almost impossible, thereby increasing their value incredibly.

Some gemstones, however, are very commonly "eye clean" such as Aquamarine, and are expected to appear nearly perfect in appearance if they are gemstone quality.

Carat Weight

An enormous factor affecting a gemstone's value is the size of the gemstone. Many gemstones are very rare in large sizes and command substantially higher prices the larger the stone is.

Cut

The way a gemstone is cut can greatly affect the way it looks when it is finished. Each type of gemstone has specific properties that must be considered when the gemstone is cut.

Poorly cut gemstones are considerably less valuable.

Treatments

The term "natural gemstone" is used to describe a gemstone that has come from the Earth. Even though the gemstone is labeled "natural" it may have had a man-made treatment to help enhance its beauty. Treatments are a standard for some gemstones like emerald, while others are almost never treated.

Rarity and Demand

Rarity in combination with demand is the biggest factor in determining a gemstone's value. This is one of the reasons that larger gemstones can command a much higher price than smaller gemstones.

On the other hand, a gemstone could be extremely rare but if there is no demand for it the price may be considerably lower than more common gemstones.

Common Gemstone Treatments

So What Is a Precious Gemstone?

Technically there really is no such thing as precious or semi-precious gemstones.

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has added the following language to their Code of Ethics: "Members should avoid the use of the term 'semi-precious' in describing gemstones."

In addition to the code of ethics statement by the AGTA, the US Federal Trade Commission periodically considers banning the use of the terms to reduce consumer confusion.

Questions & Answers

Question: How can I find out the value of an 83 CT sapphire?

Answer: If you would like to know the value of your sapphire you should take it to a professional to have it appraised. Carat weight, color, and cut are not the only factors that determine a gemstones value. It would be impossible to determine a value based on a description alone.

© 2013 Marty Andersen

Comments

newusedcarssacram from Sacramento, CA, U.S.A on February 27, 2013:

Thanks for the detailed information. It is not easy to recognize a precious stone by general people.

Neelum Waqar from Pakistan on February 26, 2013:

I love gemstones! I would like to know

more about other gemstones apart

from the usual diamonds and sapphires.

Very interesting hub.

idigwebsites from United States on February 26, 2013:

I love gemstones! I would like to know more about other gemstones apart from the usual diamonds and sapphires. Very interesting hub. Voted up and useful/interesting/awesome/beautiful. :)

talfonso from Tampa Bay, FL on February 25, 2013:

Wow - I was floored when you noted that alexandrite is one of the precious stones and gems. It's my birthstone besides pearl. Good thing I paid for a class ring with that stone for less!

Thanks for writing this Hub!

Marty Andersen (author) from Salina, Utah on February 24, 2013:

Paraiba Tourmaline is a fabulous gemstone. Like so many gemstones it is much more rare than diamond in fact they are among the rarest gemstones on earth. Similar gemstones have been found in Mozambique and Nigeria. Paraiba Tourmaline can sell for over $5,000 per carat with gemstones over 3 carats going for over $10,000 per carat.

Mazlan A from Malaysia on February 24, 2013:

Congrats on HOTD. Another gemstone that was not listed, but considered rare and expensive is Paraiba Tourmaline. It has a beautiful neon blue color and is relatively a new gemstone. It was discovered in the late 80's in Paraiba, Brazil.

Minbani on February 24, 2013:

My favourite is Moonstone. I have been collecting it for a few years now and still find the 'running of the colours' soothing yet inspiring. -a weird combination. The other thing I find so useful as a jewelry piece, is that I can wear it with anything in my wardrobe as the colours adapt and compliment my outfit.

Be warned though that there is definitely some very inferior and very low quality 'moonstone' being sold on the Internet.

A quality stone is quite heavy and has the colours of a tropical aquarium running through it when you turn the stone around. And never buy a stone that has the back covered so that you can't see the flaws.

A well written informative article so thank you and congratulations on getting Hub of the day ~ Well done :-)

Marilyn Alexander from Vancouver, Canada on February 24, 2013:

Very interesting hub on gemstones. I believe I love the amethyst best of all.

Katee Shew from Canada on February 24, 2013:

I always enjoy your Hubs, they have so much information! Congratulations getting Hub of the day!

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on February 24, 2013:

My father knows a lot about gems, (Sadly I don't know anything). He usually associate the stone with astrology.

Congrats on Hub of the Day!

Leah Lefler from Western New York on February 24, 2013:

I love gemstones - they are so pretty. I didn't realize they heated, bleached, and even dyed certain stones to improve on color and appearance. Congratulations on HOTD!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on February 24, 2013:

Congratulation on the HOTD! This is a very informative hub and well written, too. I love these precious stones. Thanks for sharing.

Andrew Stewart from England on February 24, 2013:

Very interesting introduction and overview of the world of precious gems. I find their creation deep within the Earth very interesting and also value we put on them. Keep up the good work, voted up and Thank you.

Proud Foot on February 24, 2013:

As a child I was a huge lover of gemstones. That disappeared. But this wonderful hub has unlocked the love again. Thank you for sharing and congrats on Hub of the Day!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani from Chennai, India on February 24, 2013:

A well-written & detailed hub! You explained this topic very clearly. I am an aspiring jewelry-designer and have a guidebook about 130 gemstones of the world. Congrats on the Hub of the Day award! Well-done!

Thanks for SHARING. Useful & Interesting. Voted up & pinned

Mary Craig from New York on February 19, 2013:

You would think being a woman I would know about gemstones, but I didn't. This hub was very informative and I love the pictures, especially the Super Swiss Topaz! Amazing.

Voted up, useful, and very interesting.

wabash annie from Colorado Front Range on February 19, 2013:

Thanks for writing about gemstones ... they are absolutely beautiful!

My interest in stones started back when I was a little girl collecting rocks and quartz crystals. Today, I'm fascinated by gemstones.

Get Glitzy With Gems

One of the first things people notice when they visit my home are the rocks I keep on display here and there throughout my house. I started collecting rocks as a little girl. I was fascinated by the variety of colors and shapes. Quartz crystals weren't so tough to get my hands on, and they were almost as good as a diamond to a pre-teen like me. I could gaze with wonder at how something so perfectly shaped could have developed entirely by natural forces.

Although I'm grown now, I still enjoy the basic stones I gathered as a kid, but my tastes have expanded to include a love of gemstones. If my pocketbook would permit it, I'm pretty sure my walls and windows would be unlike what you've ever seen in a house before, but I digress. Although I'm not a gemologist, I was surprised at how affordable some of the gems I saw at the huge annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show were—and how much more expensive a similar gem could be.

What You Should Consider When You're Buying Gems

Since then, I've learned a lot about what factors influence prices of gems. In this article, I'll be discussing some of the factors you should take into consideration if you're in the market for gemstones, gemstone products, or jewelry. The science of gemology is complex, and I'll be assuming you're like me—fascinated but not planning on becoming a science expert before you make your first purchase!

I'll give you general guidelines that are more in depth than you'll find on a jeweler's site aimed at convincing you to buy at high markups, but not so much information that you'll feel like you're in science class trying to figure out how to figure out what "birefringence," "pleochrism," and "specific gravity" mean.

Ready to get started?

Types of Rocks

Let's start with the most basic piece of information you'll need to understand if you want to become an astute gem collector or jewelry purchaser: Most gems are rocks of a sort, but not all rocks are gems.

Gem Categories

The type of gem you'll buy could fall into a couple of different categories that sometimes overlap with each other:

• Precious
• Semiprecious
• Ornamental
• Synthetic (like cubic zirconia)
• Organic (pearl, for instance, is not a mineral)
• Enhanced (natural or synthetic gems may undergo special treatments to produce a desired effect.)

Forms

All of these types of gems may be sold in a variety of ways:

• Rough stones (untreated)
• Loose finished stones (may be treated, cut, polished, faceted, or rough)
• Set stones (already placed in a setting of some sort, such as a ring

Appearance

The gems themselves will have a certain look to them

• Faceted stones have been cut in a way designed to bring out their brilliance.
• Polished or tumbled stones are usually either ornamental or semiprecious stones. They're unfaceted.
• Cabochons have a flat bottom and domed surface.
• Carved stones may be in a particular shape or have shapes and designs cut into them.

Faceted stones can have many unusual cuts to them. Some faceted cuts are very popular, like "round cut" or "princess cut" diamonds. The photos below reveal the many different ways gems can be sold by wholesalers and retailers.

4Cs of Gemstones

Although there is no standard grading system for most gems, diamonds do have a classification system based on the 4Cs set forth by the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA's grading standard has been adopted industry-wide throughout the world. By understanding the standards used for grading diamonds, you'll be better able to judge whether a gem is worth its asking price. This video explains the in-depth methods used by the GIA. While you and I cannot replicate their methods to an exacting degree, it's certainly possible to develop a sharper eye for your own gems.

The 4Cs refer to a gem's

• Color
• Cut
• Clarity
• Carats (weight)

Whenever you're considering buying a gemstone of any type, remembering these 4Cs will ensure you don't overlook something important, so let's discuss each of these characteristics a little more.

Gemstone Colors

Did you know over 200 different colors of diamonds have been documented? Stones get their color from the kinds of elements they contain. Even a small variation in a stone's chemical composition can produce a change.

Where Color Comes From and Why It Matters

While diamonds with no color at all are the most highly valued, other stones gain value by having more color. Emeralds, for instance, will likely cost more when they are a deep green than if they are pale.

Corundum is the name of a transparent crystal that we call by different names depending on whether other elements got infused with the aluminum oxide it's made of. Rubies are corundum that was affected by the presence of chromium, while every other chemical color change would result in the stone being called a sapphire (even if it's yellow or green.) Impurities like the dark spots shown in the near colorless sample of corundum are common, and when there are too many, the stone loses its appeal as a gemstone and instead, may be used for other industrial purposes like making sandpaper.

Some stones are devalued by the presence of other colors, like when a deeply hued amethyst is riddled with quartz, while some gain a great deal of value by having multiple colors that are well placed, as seen with star sapphires or tourmaline.

How to Evaluate Color

Always look at a gem against a white background and use both natural and artificial lighting if possible. Jewelers have often used contrasting colors to make a gem look more appealing. Consider whether the color is rich and true or pale and lackluster. Hue, saturation, and tone are all important to determining value of a particular stone. Having said this, though, let me also say that if you love it, don't reject a stone based purely on color. Today, "white turquoise" is a popular jewelry choice, but years ago it would have been rejected for its color!

What Color is Your Favorite Gemstone?

Cut Gems

The cut of a diamond refers to more than simply what shape it looks like. The GIA standards shown in the video above reveal that there are mathematical ratios to determine "ideal" angles and depths of the gem's surfaces.

Other gemstones may be faceted to look similar. The ring on my finger in the first series of photos shows a very basic cut. Different types of angles and surfaces can make a gem reflect more light and brilliance.

How to Evaluate the Cut

While determining a gem's cut with any precision is best left to the experts, as a buyer of gemstones you can evaluate a few things on your own. Look for a high degree of:

• Sparkle—a well cut gem will sparkle and capture attention with the way it reflects light.
• Brilliance—some stones aren't faceted or cut, but I will include them here anyway. Polished or tumbled gems are a terrific way to learn about ornamental stones and can make some beautiful jewelry, too. Look for whether their beauty is reflected well by the way they have been mounted or presented.
• Fire—though this is often masked in darker stones, light stones like diamonds, opals, and even aquamarine will let you see a prism of colors as they break down light into the colors of the spectrum. When buying light colored stones, evaluate whether you see colors and determine if a lack of color is due to a poor cut or the type of stone.

As I mentioned above, if you love a stone, don't get stuck on its cut. Many beautiful gems aren't cut perfectly. What it lacks in vibrancy will also be lighter on your pocketbook, so go with what you like as long as you feel it's available at a fair price.

What Is Clarity?

When it comes to a gem's clarity, it's important to understand that while the presence of other minerals gives gems their color, most have imperfections. A piece of sediment that was absorbed as the gem was forming or a microscopic fracture can affect value.

For some gems, like organic amber, certain ornamental stones, and fossils, inclusions can increase value. However, when looking at transparent, cut gems, they're likely to decrease value. A 10X magnification loupe like the one shown here is valuable for detecting these imperfections.

When looking at a stone for impurities, it's also important to note that all stones are not graded the same. Aquamarine, for instance, is not graded the same way as a tourmaline or emerald that has a darker color that can mask the impurity. For an overview of what to look for check out this chart.

Tip: Learn about gem values by visiting gem shows, jewelry shops, and browsing price guides.

Carat Weight

The last C today is carat weight. A "carat" simply refers to a weight of 200 mg.

Larger gems tend to be worth more than smaller ones, of course, but if they're suffering in one or more of the other Cs, it's possible for a larger gem to cost less than a much smaller one of high quality.

Because there's no set standard and the gemological world is constantly changing, I would encourage you to base your decision to purchase on what you like and what you can afford. Find pieces you like and use these principles to figure out what is the best value for you. I happen to prefer chocolate diamonds over the much more expensive ones, which means I would spend the same amount for a higher quality chocolate diamond than for a purer, colorless diamond. I'd get much more use out of my choice and enjoy it more as I did.

I promised you I wouldn't get too technical, and I think I've kept my promise. At least I hope I did. Please let me know what you think in the comments below, or by sharing this article with others you think would enjoy it.

Comments

jellygator (author) from USA on November 15, 2013:

Thank you, Angara!

jellygator (author) from USA on February 09, 2013:

Glad to hear you found this useful, Teaches! I plan on doing some more articles on gemstones soon. There is just SO much to know!

Dianna Mendez on February 09, 2013:

Interesting article on gemstones. I didn't realize jade came in different colors and the color on diamonds was less value. I now now what clarity means as well. Thanks for the education.

jellygator (author) from USA on February 05, 2013:

Thank you, Rkwebs!

Rajnesh kumar from India on February 04, 2013:

awesome information about Gemstone

Shay Marie is not a big fan of jewelry, but she does enjoy unique, original pieces made with gemstones.

I'm not a big jewelry gal, but when I do buy necklaces, rings, bracelets, or earrings, I want them to be unique and different. I wrote this article as a way to show you fine folks some of the coolest, most original, and most interesting gemstones out there.

Read on for a list of twelve of my favorite gemstones that you've never heard of. I've also included information on the physical properties of stones themselves, as well as the meanings behind them. I hope it provides you with some gemspiration! (Har har.)

Precious or Semiprecious?

So what's the deal? It's actually quite simple. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are defined as "precious gemstones." Everything else is a semiprecious gemstone, although some consider Opals and Pearls to be precious gemstones as well.

Wait, What's a Gemstone?

So what exactly is a gemstone? It is any stone that is given value because of its use in jewelry, accessories, or art. These stones are often cut and polished, but as you will see, this is not always necessary for use in jewelry.

In general, transparent, very hard, and rare gemstones tend to be more valuable than their opaque, softer, more available counterparts. Well, fear not, friends. I have nary a transparent stone in my list. Well, maybe one. But it's riddled with inclusions! Cheap gemstones for all!

Really, the most important thing to remember in terms of value, however, is the quality, scarcity, and demand for a given gemstone. If it's a high quality gem that is hard to find, but highly sought after, it is going to be worth more. Precious and semiprecious have nothing to do with it.

Mini Gemology Glossary

• Play of Color: The flash of rainbow-like colors seen in certain stones. Examples in: opals, labradorite
• Cabochon: A type of stone cut used in jewelry characterized by a smooth, domed, non-faceted shape.
• Inclusion: Any material found in a stone. Many inclusions add character to a stone. Examples: other minerals, gases, plants/insects (seen in amber)
• Organic: Natural stones derived from once living materials. Examples: coral, jet, pearl, amber
• Mineral: Inorganic stones found in nature.
• Synthetic: Man made stones created in a lab environment to have the same chemical and physical properties of a natural stone.
• Opaque: A stone that does not allow light to pass though it.
• Translucent: A stone that allows light to pass through it, but does not allow one to see objects through it.
• Transparent: A stone that allows light to pass through and allows one to see objects through it.

1. Labradorite

Labradorite is a lovely everyday type gem with some sizzle. Named for Labrador, Canada, this gem is also found in Finland, India, Russia, Madagascar, and Newfoundland. Labradorite is often used in jewelry in faceted or cabochon forms.

• Color: Grey-Blue with flashes of Yellow, Gold and Green-Blue
• Properties & Characteristics: Iridescent/opalescent play of color; Nearly all Labradorites of a certain size have "cleavage" lines that appear like cracks; these lines do not usually result in chips or breaking unless exposed to a particularly hard knock, like a drop on a hard surface. Treat these stones with care!
• Meaning: "The Stone of Spiritual Awakening"
• Cousins: Spectrolite aka "Falcon's Eye" (a rarer, higher quality labradorite), Moonstone
• You Might Also Like: Ammolite, Fire Agate, Opal

2. Tourmilated Quartz

If colored stones aren't your thing, but you still want something with a kick, check out Tourmilated Quartz. It's a simple, interesting gemstone that won't break the bank. It is most frequently mined in Brazil. Tormilated Quartz is most commonly found in cabochon shapes for jewelry.

• Color: Clear or translucent white with black needles or lines inside.
• Properties & Characteristics: Two Gems for the price of one! The inclusions in tourmilated quartz (aka tourmalated or tourmalinated quartz) are from the black stone Tourmaline. Go figure. Tourmalated quartz can also contain dark green tourmaline inclusions.
• Meaning: "The Stone of Protection and Healing"
• Cousins: Rutilated Quartz, Citrine, Amythest
• You Might Also Like: Herkimer Diamonds, Snowflake Obsidian, Dendritic Agate

3. Chrysoprase

Such a pretty stone - Chrysoprase reminds me of the emerald room in "Return to Oz." It is found in Queensland, Western Australia and is commonly called "Australian Jade." It is said that it is the favored stone of Alexander the Great. Chrysoprase is usually cut into a cabochon, but it can also be faceted.

• Color: milky or semi translucent apple to mint green
• Properties & Characteristics: Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony which is made from silica that takes on a very valuable "micro crystalline" structure. This stone gets its green color from Nickel, but chalcedony can also be found in blue, purple, orange and pink.
• Meaning: "Stone of Hope, Joy and Healing"
• Cousins: Agate, Carnelian, Onyx
• You Might Also Like: Jade, Aquamarine

4. Lapis Lazuli

Lovely as beads, cabochons or polished in their natural shape, Lapis Lazuli is an interesting stone with royal history. They were highly valued by ancient Egyptians, with stones found in King Tutankhamun's tomb. Lapis Lazuli is mined primarily in Afghanistan.

• Color: Royal or Cobalt Blue with strips, bands or flecks of gold and white.
• Properties & Characteristics: Lapis Lazuli is an opaque stone made of a combination of several different minerals; the gold color is due to pyrite. Dull stones can be polished to return its original brilliance.
• Meaning: "The Stone of Enlightenment and Total Awareness"
• Cousins: Pyrite, Lazurite
• You Might Also Like: Unakite, Sodalite, Azurite-Malachite, Bluebird

5. Unakite

Unakite is a very natural looking everyday type stone that works well as cabochons or beads. They are mostly found in the United States, in the mountains of North Carolina.

• Color: Earthy Green with patches of Brick Red or Salmon Pink
• Properties & Characteristics: Unakite is a combination of two opaque minerals: red jasper and green epidote.
• Meaning: "The Stone of good spirit, truth and beauty." Literally: "Growing Together"
• Cousins: Jasper
• You Might Also Like: Sugilite, Watermelon Tourmaline, Tree Agate, Plume Agate

6. Drusy Agate

Sometimes misspelled as "Druzy Agate" these gem stones are simply Agates that have sprouted crystals (like a Geode). They have become a trend in modern jewelry, especially for those looking for pendants or necklaces with a rougher, more natural edge.

• Color: Every color of the rainbow! Green and blue are the rarest Drusy Agates.
• Properties & Characteristics: Druzy or Drusy Agate tend to be fragile, so they are best avoided for use in rings and bracelets which see too much wear and tear.
• Meaning: "Stone of Self Exploration and Patience."
• Cousins: Drusy Quartz, Rainbow Pyrite, Azurite
• You Might Also Like: Raw or Uncut Gemstones, Celestite, Herkimer Diamonds

7. Goldstone

'Tis no mineral! 'Tis glass! A super pretty non-gemstone, regardless. It's reminiscent of a little galaxy, no? Because it is glass, it's also super cheap. Woo! Legend has it, Goldstone was accidentally created by some 17th century monks messing around with alchemy. Goldstone is frequently made into beads or cabochons for jewelry, or carved into figurines.

• Color: Goldstone is often made Reddish Brown, Dark Blue, or Dark Green.
• Properties & Characteristics: Also called Aventurine Stone, Goldstone is made of glass with copper suspended in it (for the red/brown color) or with cobalt or manganese suspended in it (for the blue or purple varieties). Green goldstone is made from chromium.
• Meaning: Red: "Vitality and Energy" / Blue: "Learning and Communication" / Green "Growth and Abundance"
• Cousins: Murano Glass
• You Might Also Like: Moonstone, Tiger's Eye, Sunstone, Star Ruby

8. Vesuvianite

Vesuvianite aka Vasonite or Idocrase is another interesting gemstone that works well in everyday, casual jewelry. Me-thinks it almost looks amphibious. Vesuvianite is named for deposits discovered at Mount Vesuvius in Italy. The familiar green colored Vesuvianite is mined in the USA and Pakistan.

• Color: Usually a mossy green, brown or yellow; it can also be found in purple, red, blue, orange or white
• Properties & Characteristics: A silica based mixture of minerals; the stone ranges from transparent to translucent.
• Meaning: "The Stone of Courage and Change"
• Cousins: Californite, Garnets
• You Might Also Like: Chalcedony, Peridot, Jade, Moss Agate

9. Carnelian

So I might be in love with Carnelians. It is the "live in the now" stone making it perfect for entertainers, public speakers and athletes. A high class stone, the Carnelian was once believed to be allowed solely by the nobel class. Today, it is mined in India and South America.

• Color: Translucent Orange - can have hints of yellow, red or brown (called "Sard" which is often opaque)
• Properties & Characteristics: Like Chrysoprase, Carnelian is a variety of Chalcedony with a silica composition and "micro crystalline" structure. The color comes from iron oxide impurities.
• Meaning: "The Stone of Confidence, Action and Self Actualization."
• Cousins: Agate, Chrysoprase, Onyx
• You Might Also Like: Fire Opal, Citrine

10. Larimar

I call this guy the "acid wash" stone. It's also reminiscent of a lightly cloudy sky or bright blue sea. Larimar can only be mined in one place in the world: in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Hispaniola. This makes the future supply of Larimar unkown; it has a chance of becoming more valuable.

• Color: Light Blue with mottled white
• Properties & Characteristics: Aka Dolphin Stone, Atlantis Stone or Stelfilia's Stone. Larimar is the result of fossilized coral mixing with cobalt. The brighter the blue, the more valuable the stone. Larimar is also photosensitive, so it's best to store it away from the sun or heat (it will fade the blue).
• Meaning: "Stone of Calm Thinking and Wisdom"
• Cousins: Coral, Cobalt, Blue Pectolite
• You Might Also Like: Turquoise, Crazy Lace Agate, Tree Agate, Blue Lace Agate

11. Ammolite

Ammolite is made of fossilized shell that have opalized over time, making it the only organic gemstone on this list. Despite being rarer than diamonds, supply and demand of Ammolite is fairly matched, making it relatively affordable. Gem quality Ammolite can only be found in the Korite International Mine or Aurora Ammolite Mine in Alberta, Canada.

• Color: It varies from dark brown to red to green, with flashes of green, yellow and orange. Blue or Purple Ammolites are the most valuable.
• Properties & Characteristics: Iridescent/opalescent play of color; Ammolite can be very fragile, so it is often reinforced with a colorless crystal coating. The back of Ammolite is usually sandstone in which the this interesting gemstone grows from, but it can also be backed with onyx.
• Meaning: "The Stone of Wealth, Health, and Happiness."
• Cousins: Mother of Pearl (Abalone), Opals
• You Might Also Like: Black Opal, Fire Agate, Amber, Labradorite

12. Opal Varieties

While, I'm sure you've heard of opals, you may not be aware of all the different kinds of opals out there. Opals come in many MANY interesting varieties than the white iridescent color you're probably familiar with. I thought it deserved it's own spot in this article. Here's a quick breakdown of some opal favorites:

• Precious Opals are those that display play of color.
• Common Opals are solid/opaque in color buy can still be very beautiful
• Fire Opals are transparent or translucent red, orange or yellow opals; they some of the only opals cut with facets.
• Boulder or Matrix Opals exist as a band or mixture into the rock the opal has formed on.
• Black or Dark Opals are just what you'd think. The base color is black, grey or dark blue (as opposed to the white, yellow or cream color you see in the more common white opal).
• Crystal Opals are opals with a play of color that are translucent to transparent.
• Opals are also classified by the patterns within it or the place it was mined from.

A Rose by Any Other Name . . .

Err, maybe it won't smell as sweet. The truth is, not all gems are created equal. As mentioned previously, some gems are higher quality than others (due to luster, composition, clarity, etc), but what truly sets them apart is the supply and demand. Quartz can be high quality, but it is so easy to find that it's not worth as much. On the other hand, Ammolite is not so easy to find, but the demand is low as well so the cost stays down.

Synthetics

It is also important to know that some gemstones are created in labs. These "synthetic" stones aren't worth as much, but can look just as beautiful as their natural counterparts. Just know that there is a difference between a synthetic gemstone and a "gemstone" that is made out of glass or worse, plastic.

Bottom Line: As long as you like the jewelry you're purchasing, aren't paying too much for it, and aren't treating the gem stone as "investment" piece, I wouldn't worry too much about synthetic vs. natural.

That's it for today's gemology lesson. I hope you enjoyed these interesting gemstones!

Where Do I Find These Interesting Gems?

Etsy is a fantastic place to find unique jewelry made from interesting gems. Simply do a search for the gemstones that strike your fancy. Remember to be careful and use due-diligence when ordering gemstones online to make sure you're getting the real deal. Interesting Gems are also available in jewelry stores, boutiques, and museum gift shops all over the world. You just have to look!

So get on out there and explore, my special snowflake!

Comments

letmein123 on August 11, 2016:

Nice accomplish :)

Anni Takison from california, USA on May 13, 2013:

Now I am aware with 12 gems. really a valuable hub. We ignore the value of gems but these are really beneficial and associated with never thought things.

rose-the planner from Toronto, Ontario-Canada on May 12, 2013:

Great article! Interesting information......I love gemstones. Thanks for sharing.

Shay Marie (author) from California on December 11, 2012:

Thank you Glass-Jewelry for your information - and from the source no less. I have a few Murano Glass rings, which I love. It's amazing what can be done with glass!

Marco Piazzalunga from Presezzo, Italy on December 11, 2012:

Hello shaymarie,

Your article is very interesting and regarding your mentioned Goldstone variety of unusual gemstones I would like to add my knowledge, as producer of Murano glass jewelry, about what exactly defines the term "avventurina glass": it is a special process invented in Murano in the first half of the seventeenth century (around 1620).

It is a crystalline and translucent paste, inside which are immersed flakes or crystals of copper with brilliant metallic oxides, which create an effect that mimics that of quartz aventurine.

The technique to make the glass aventurine is to add directly into the molten glass, in small doses and in several occasions, mortar of lead and/or tin, copper oxide red, iron oxide, and strongly reducing substances to decrease the maximum the copper oxide to metallic copper, which precipitates in the glass in crystalline form.

Thank you again very much for sharing your informative article.

I enjoy lapidary (gemstone polishing and faceting), reading, writing, crochet, beading, home decorating, jewellery making and upcycling.

An Italian millefiori pendant necklace displays beautiful details made of glass that adds a splash of colour to any outfit. They are loved by both adults and children and make a great addition to any jewelry collection. If you’re looking to buy a pendant online, this article explains the history and techniques used in glass cane production and where to buy these necklaces online.

History of Millefiori

Millefiori is a glasswork technique that combines different coloured glass to make decorative, mosaic patterns. The name “millefiori” (1000 flowers) comes from the Italian “mille” (thousand) and “fiori” (flowers) and is usually made with Murano (ancient Venetian style) glass, hence the association of caned mosaic glassware being associated with Italy.

This art dates back to Ancient Roman, Phoenician and Alexandrian times. The technique of caning was revived in the nineteenth century in Venice, as interest grew in glass jewellery. Glass millefiori is the most highly prized as it has a three dimensional, colourful appearance. It’s easy to determine the expertise of the crafter in the intricacy of the style created.

Today, many factories in Italy, France and England manufacture millefiori pendants and beads. You might have seen them incorporated in glass paperweights, vases or made with polymer clay into bowls and candleholders. Glass millefiori is beautiful, ages well and is uplifting to look at. Children are especially fascinated by the beauty of the designs.

How Millefiori Pendants Are Made

The technique of caning involves fusing different coloured rods of glass together, then pulling the molten tube of glass at each end to lengthen the cane. When cooled, cross sections of the cane are sliced into tablets, called “murrines”.

Murrines are applied and melted over a glass core to produce curved surfaces. In commercial production, murrines are melted in specially shaped molds.

After cooling, murrines are polished to enhance their detailed beauty and may be drilled to add a hole for silver findings or cord. The technique of caning is used with all sorts of materials, the most popular being glass, polymer clay and other clays.

Polymer clay is easier to manipulate to make canes than the glass techniques—hence, expect to pay less for polymer clay than glass pendants.

Where to Buy a Millefiori Pendant Necklace

There are a large variety of necklaces for sale, but they can be hard to find. Colourful millefiori pendants are available at eBay and high-quality pendants can be purchased at Amazon and through individual glass manufacturers online.

The quality of the millefiori should determine the price—you can tell by looking at the detail of the pendant whether the artist has mastered the technique. The size of the pendant also affects the price as larger pieces use more glass and require more handiwork.

Thank you for reading my article. If you’re looking for a delightful, colourful gift for a child, or wearable glass art for yourself, a millefiori pendant necklace is an excellent choice because they age well and draw a lot of compliments!

© 2012 Suzanne Day

Comments

allyndagreeno on December 25, 2017:

I would click the vote up or useful button but I don't see either. Great article!

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on July 09, 2015:

I have not made millefiori jewelry but I have made millefiori polymer clay that I used in clay sculptures. I love working with clay. This is a beautiful hub, Suzanne. - Kudos!

Susan from India on December 18, 2013:

I have never heard of them. They look so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Mazlan has an affinity for insightful facts that he loves to share with others.

Jewelry Making

You must have admired many rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other precious jewelry and wondered how they were so beautifully made and crafted. Who were the talented artisans that wielded their skills and creativity to breathe life to these gemstones? How were they set?

For many of us who have taken for granted these refined and elegant crafts of jewelry making, here is a quick guide to how jewelry is made. A glimpse behind the scenes of designing and creating jewelry will not only leave you in awe but wondering when you can afford to buy them!

Jewelry Making: The Early Days

In the early days, jewelry was fashioned and made from stones, metal, bones, wood, and other attractive materials available within the country. The artisan would spend days hammering, pounding, and chiseling an intricate design to get the desired shape and size.

Some of these ancient jewelry-making techniques use several ingenious methods. Methods that were commonly used in the early days are now considered a specialty skill.

Filigree Jewelry

Among the many techniques is filigree. Filigree is when materials such as silver, copper, or gold are heated and poured through small holes to create thin wires. The artisans then wind these wires to create patterns such as animals, flowers, or just a simple curved pattern.

It is a difficult technique that requires patience and a steady hand. Filigree jewelry was very popular in the early 1920s and is still popular to this day.

Cloisonné Jewelry

Cloisonné is another ancient technique where pieces of glass are inserted in an open compartment in metals. It is then heated at a high temperature to create an elaborate design of vibrant color.

Cloisonné technique is popular in China and Japan and a very well-crafted cloisonné enamel object can be quite expensive.

Lost Wax Casting for Jewelry Design

The lost wax casting process involves carving the jewelry design in wax. It is then covered with clay and baked until the clay mold is hard. Through a small hole, the hot wax is poured out. The artisan then pours the molten metal, which could be silver or gold, into the mold to cast the jewelry.

This technique is still being used today as it is the easiest and the most cost-efficient. If you attend classes on how to make jewelry, this is usually one of the techniques taught.

How Is Jewelry Made Today?

Today, jewelry is produced using a combination of several methods. It uses the traditional method of using simple tools to modern and sophisticated tools that are sometimes computer-controlled.

Despite all these, skill and creativity remains the most important tool for any jewelry artisanship. Jewelry involves several processes, and these can be long and slow procedures.

Let us look at the steps taken from concept to final product in jewelry making.

Jewelry Design Ideas

In any product, you have to conceptualize the design first. Likewise, in the jewelry making process, designers will be briefed on the required product and its uses. For example, the designer will be told to come out with a ring design for Valentine's Day using diamonds and white gold.

They will then sketch out the design, and once approved, the jewelry crafting can start.

Jewelry Tools

This approved design will be handed over to the model maker. In some companies, several jewelry artisans will specialize in certain design. If this is the case, the artisan with a specific skill and talent will be assigned to do the molding and casting, whose expertise is best suited to create this particular jewelry.

Jewelry Molding

The artisan will then transform the design into a master mold. This is the most crucial part, as the results will depend on this mold.

This old tradition is still done by hand, especially for one of a kind design piece. This process can vary from a few days to a few months depending on the complexity of the design, which may require more detail and delicate shaping works.

The selection of material used for the mold is also important. Natural rubber, silicone, and wax are the most popular as they are the cheapest. For an intricate design that requires several tweaking then jewelry molding wax will be used as it is pliable and easy to work on,

Metal is another material that is used as a mold, but it is the most expensive. However, it has better accuracy, consistency, and precision. Some company uses gold as a mold when they need fast work. Silver, being the most economical of all metal for this molding process, will be used if the mold is reused more than once. Jewelry that is molded with metal is naturally more expensive.

Jewelry Casting

This is another complex process. The jewelry casting wax mold is placed in a steel container, which is then filled with investment powder (like plaster of Paris). It is then heated in a heat chamber.

The heat will melt the wax and solidifies the investment powder. The liquefied metal is then poured into this container.

It is then allowed to cool and open to expose the jewelry, which is still in casting form.

Types of Jewelry Finishes

There are several techniques to create a jewelry finish. The most common are:

• High Polish
• Matte
• Satin
• Brushed
• Hammered

Embellishing and Setting

Once the creation is cast, the stones that are required for the design will be selected and sorted. The selection will consider the stone sizes and weights that will be appropriate for the final set. It is a time-consuming process and requires the knowledge of an experienced and skilled person

Once selected, it will be sent to the setting department. Using a microscope, the setting specialist will apply each gemstone to the cast material. This micro-setting process requires a steady hand, skill, and years of experience to get a perfect finish for this jewelry design.

The next stage is polishing and plating.

Note: If you want to polish your jewelry, use this Jewelry Cleaning Kit that I have used before, and it works.

Polishing and Plating

Deburring, polishing, and buffing can be considered the second to the last stage where the entire piece is carefully and painstakingly deburred, polished, buffed and cleaned to get the highest degree of smoothness and shine.

Deburring is removing the sharp edges, burrs, and air bubbles on the material.

Polishing is the use of specific abrasives to get a shinier surface finish. Different polishing materials are used for different metals. Hence, to polish gold, the material is different for platinum and silver.

Buffing is the next step after polishing. This is to get a high sheen and shine for the final finish.

Plating

The last and final process is plating. Once the item is polished, it is sent for plating using the electro-deposition process. Depending on the jewelry design, the plating can be with copper, gold, chromium, silver, rhodium or any other metals based on the approved design concept.

To increase the wearability and durability, rhodium is often used to plate white gold and platinum jewelry.

Gold is also used to plate silver and sold off as a piece of gold jewelry. You can still buy solid gold jewelry but it is more expensive.

Quality Control Check

Once plating is complete, it is sent to the quality control section for a thorough check for any defects. If there are any, it is sent back to the respective divisions for correction.

In some companies, the chief artisan does these inspections. For an expensive and elaborate jewelry design using rare or valuable gemstone such as Paraiba Tourmaline, the General Manager or CEO may even be part of the inspection team.

These jewelry pieces will not be released for sale until this team gives the seal of approval.

Jewelry and Fashion

The trend for jewelry and fashion changes every year, but not many people can afford to keep up with the changes in the jewelry trend. What's important is to know how jewelry is made. Why it can take several months to conceptualize and create a bejeweled piece, so you can appreciate and value your jewelry even more.

I've never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty

— Elizabeth Taylor

Fun Facts: The Most Expensive Jewelry Pieces in the World

The Mouawad‘s 637 carats L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace ranked as one of the world's priciest jewelry. This exquisite deep-yellow diamond centerpiece is the world’s largest internally flawless diamond. It weighed an amazing 407.48 carats and was discovered by a young girl in 1980 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It took over four years to craft and polish it before it was revealed to the public in 1984. This incomparable diamond is complemented by 90 other smaller diamonds of various cuts.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2012 Mazlan A

Comments

yingchenchen from hz on July 21, 2020:

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Mazlan A (author) from Malaysia on November 15, 2012:

@thumbi7 Thanks for dropping by and for the kind words. Photos of jewelry always attract a woman's attention!

JR Krishna from India on November 15, 2012:

Very interesting information.

I liked the photos.

Thanks for sharing

Claire, an ex-pat Montanan, ardent Progressive and former jeweler, covers NYC-based film festivals for Bright Lights Film Journal.

Losing the Ranch

Unless you have a lot of money and a bona fide expert at your side, do not buy color gemstones as an investment.

Putting a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, or even tens of thousands of dollars in "over the counter" color gems is a bad idea.

Years ago, a Montana rancher sold his ranch for a small box of fully appraised gemstones. The ranch and the gemstones were each valued at over $1 million. When the rancher found out the cash value of that box of color gems was under one-fifth of the appraised value of the ranch, he tried to get his ranch back.

The lawyer who told me this story said the rancher ultimately prevailed, after paying off a small herd of lawyers.

The moral of this story: don’t confuse appraised value in the jewelry business with cash value.

Color Diamonds: Long Term Cash Cows

With rare exceptions, most color gemstones do not have much resale value.

Important, well-cut, undamaged, auction quality, LEGITIMATE certified rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are the exception, as are a few rare collector examples of fine gems (and rare pearls!). But even important gems take time and a commission--to re-sell.

There are some bogus companies that sell lousy color gems with impressive-looking certificates, though. Unless the certificate is from the Gemological Institute of America or New York's AGL, or Gueblin swallow hard. Do some investigating: fake "certs" are out there, too.

The most valuable gems often have multiple certifications from different labs. Old certificates (except maybe those signed by Cap Beesley) need to be updated: in the last decade, the gem industry has developed new ways to detect gem treatments, etc.

If you're looking for an investment, read a few books, watch Suze Orman, go talk to a certified financial planner. Gems of any kind are not often a great "investment." When wisely purchased by the right buyer, gemstones can be a great hedge, though. No one can put a price tag on the joy that they are to behold.

If you're looking for a gem asset with a potential quick turn, steer clear of color: diamonds hold their value much better than their softer, color gem cousins. And natural color diamonds? They are the only gemstone category that can truly be classified as an investment.

Rare Fancy Color Diamonds have appreciated incredibly in the last 20 years...but be careful...

Rare, certified natural fancy color diamonds should NOT be bought over the Internet, PERIOD. There is also a high threshold for investment-grade natural fancy color, and your gem broker should be skilled at the subtleties of evaluating natural color diamonds. I recently sold a pair of natural fancy pink diamonds for just under $200,000. A $20,000 budget won't buy much in this rarified arena. Think six figures, minimum.

Jewelers SELL Color Gemstones, but Rarely Buy

Most jewelers do not buy color gemstones from individuals who walk in our doors or call us on the phone.

We need to certify the authenticity of the gems for re-sale. That’s expensive and time-consuming. When it comes time to resell, we can’t say, “Ms. Smith told us this was a real ruby when she sold it to us.”

There are treatments and simulations that are difficult to detect without expensive equipment and proper training.

Did you know that synthetic gemstones have been on the market since the late 1800s? Unless your grandmother’s last name was Hearst, and she lived in a castle, that flawless ruby the size of your thumbnail—it’s synthetic (which means it may be chemically identical to the real McCoy, but it was cooked up in a lab).

Most jewelry stores stock color gems, but they are displayed as an enticement. Sometimes, color gems are 'on loan' from cutters or importers: the jeweler doesn't want to sink her own money into color gems, either!

Why? Color gemstones just don’t sell that well. Here are some typical scenarios from the other side of the counter:

• “Oh, I love that Opal. Do you have a larger one?”
• “Ruby is my wife’s birthstone. She’s got a thing for emerald cuts. Do you have emerald cut ruby earrings?”
• “ Kind of like this one…only longer, and not quite as pink.”

Because jewelers tend to own specific color gems for a long time without selling them, it’s not unusual to see a 500% markup on small color gems.

That’s why I don’t stock any color except Montana's own Yogo Sapphires (which sell like hotcakes around these here parts). Instead of having to mark something up to justify my owning it for years and years, I’ll borrow the color gems my client's request, earn a small commission and send back what doesn’t sell.

Buy Tanzanite in Oregon? Montana?

Because jewelers can borrow color gems, there’s little incentive for us to buy! I can borrow five (or fifty!) tanzanites on my desk by tomorrow morning. You want one, fine. I'll send the rest back.

I visited India a few years ago, and I visited some of the rug-makers in Agra. They were asking for more money for their rugs right there, where they were being made than the folks were asking at ABC Home in New York City.

The same goes for gemstones: TOURISTS BEWARE.

Especially if you are on a cruise, and someone tries to sell you tanzanite, telling you that because there is only one mine, it's rare. Yep, there's only a single deposit, but it's huge, and we are not running out anytime soon. On eBay on November 2, 2012, there were over 60,000 tanzanites listed.

The only people who are screaming "we are running out of tanzanite are people who are trying to sell them."

Like me, your local wholesaler may be able to sell Tanzanite for less than you'd pay in Tanzania, and Tahitian pearls for less than you’d pay in Tahiti. The same goes for Colombian emeralds, etc.

Plus you will have recourse if you have an issue or question. Buy a gemstone on a boat, and you could be sunk.

For the Love of Color

Buy color because you love it. Buy color because it talks to your soul because you can’t resist eye candy. Don’t buy color hoping to recover a fraction of what you paid.

Please don’t buy gems on TV. TV jewelry sales have huge markups, huge overhead, and they sell gems that often have hidden flaws. Jewelry TV has been successfully sued several times over blatant misrepresentation, most recently regarding a gemstone called Andesine.

I’ve been offered gemstones purchased from TV shopping channels. Many times it doesn’t even make sense to spend more money to set these gemstones into wearable jewelry.

There are some semi-precious gems that are sold by the truckload. Consumers should watch out for small gemstones that are so plentiful they are mined by a backhoe. A huge percentage of the value of many quartz-based gemstones is in the cost of labor, cutting, shipping, and taxes. Tiny chunks of pale amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, treated blue topaz, etc. have very little to no cash value.

Offer to Pay a Commisson

If you would like to buy a significant color gemstone, find someone who is happy to do it at a small commission. If you are spending over $10K, I wouldn't be afraid to ask to see the "memo" to the jeweler, and offer a commission, depending on how much work the jeweler has had to do to get the gems in for you, educate you, etc.

If, on the other hand, you have a color gemstone for sale, unless you have a fully certified, undamaged, significant gem, your best bet to get anything close to what you paid for it is to find someone you know who might purchase it from you directly.

If you don’t believe me, ask a jeweler what THEY’LL PAY for a gem you pull out of your pocket. Don’t let the retailer tell you “what it’s worth” for some other jeweler. Ask politely for them to make an offer.

"Did I Get a Good Deal?"

Owning a jewelry store is expensive. Inventory is costly, insurance is a big expense. Rent, salaries, shrinkage, advertising: they all cut into our bottom line. Being a jeweler is not a “get rich quick" scheme. Most of us are honest hard-working folks who love what we do and make a fair profit.

People often asked if I'd inspect their color gemstone purchase, tell them the history and proper care of gems they bought elsewhere and reassure them that they got "a good deal." Like most people who own a small business, I don't have time to offer my services at no charge, and I feel bad when the answer is "No." Please don't ask your local jeweler to review purchases you bought from another store (or on TV). I always tell my customers to have fun and to buy 'fun' jewelry if they want, when they are on vacation, etc. But don't spend more than a few hundred bucks on a cruise ship, please.

Don't be fooled by high prices that are drastically marked down. If you happen to be watching TV or trolling the 'net and you think you'll make a profit by reselling the "valuable precious gems" you buy to jewelry stores, there's this bridge in Brooklyn....I hear it's for sale.

Finally, don't get fooled by some "government liquidation auction" or "seized asset auction." A friend recently purchased a large, FULLY CERTIFIED "black diamond" that looked mighty suspicious to me. Sure enough, despite the official paperwork, it was not a diamond at all. It was a moissanite.

Sometimes people ask because no jeweler seems to want them, if they can sell their unwanted color gemstones themselves. Of course. Give it a whirl...but don't get your hopes up.

As a service to my clients, I've posted a few tips about selling jewelry on HubPages. Check out my other blog posts for re-sale tips.

Questions & Answers

Question: My 2 CT Tanzanite has scratches on the top of the stone. Can a jeweler polish them out?

Answer: A jeweler can't, but a cutter can often polish tanzanite. It's tough--sometimes impossible--to do if the stone is mounted, without further endangering the gem. Tanzanite is notoriously soft. If you have a good sized one, and you need to take it out of a ring to get it polished, consider remounting it into a pendant, where it's less likely to be damaged in the future.

Question: If a ruby is set in a Tiffany ring, does that mean it's a quality ruby?

Answer: It’s a bad answer, but maybe. Tiffany & Co. is very particular about quality, but sadly, I’ve seen more than my share of fake hallmark “Tiffany & Co.” rings. Also, the ruby could have been replaced or damaged. Even the hallmark on a Tiffany & Co ring is perfect.

Question: Do you think it's a good idea to buy grandidierite (eye clean gem quality) as an investment? I like the color and it's said that grandidierite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Will the price go up one day?

Answer: Thanks for the question! I am not familiar with pricing for grandidierite. I would advise that you purchase a gemstone like this because you enjoy it, not because you think it's a good investment. While it is among the rarest gemstones--and certified, unheated, museum quality examples sell to collectors for large sums--you must be very careful (there are some stones that are advertised as grandidierite listed on eBay for ten dollars). If you truly wish to invest in rare gemstones, please consult a gem lab, like AGL-NY or GIA, and the American Gem Society (AGS) so you can consult with an expert, or find out ways to become an expert yourself.

Question: I was given a garnet stone straight from a mine in Arizona. Is it worth anything?

Answer: I'm not familiar with Arizona garnet. You'll have to approach someone who is...do a little online research first. Log onto eBay. Go to "Advanced" search and search for SOLD items (what people recently paid) for Arizona garnet. That should give you an idea.

© 2012 BaizBlogger

Comments

Jeanette on September 24, 2017:

I bought a tanzanite right no frm a tv station and I swear it's a different colour as to when I bought it. It's now a dirty looking lilac colour.

Andrea on July 30, 2017:

My granddaughter was left 2 boxes of loose gemstones if they are not worth anything what would be your advice she could do with them???

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on October 24, 2015:

A jeweler would only have to adjust for inflation if the inventory item laid in the cases, gathering dust, for far too long. Unfortunately, the "turn" on color gems is so slow that I wouldn't be surprised if some jewelers (or for you Londoners, 'jewellers') took this into consideration. Regarding specific examples: all I will fess up to is buying color at wholesale and seeing it marked up 500% at retail outlets. The profit margin should be inversely proportionate to 'turn' (the period between buying the gem and selling it) and is also linked to the cost of the inventory item.

Cheap stuff can carry a heavier margin. You can't 5X a $5000 Madagascar ruby, but you can 5X a moonstone that wholesales for $15...If a jeweler is going to display something for YEARS before selling it, (s)he deserves the profit margin (and a stern lesson from David Geller on GMROI).

Edward Fleming from London on October 23, 2015:

does this supposed 500% mark-up account for inflation? What examples to do you have of this?

RunAbstract from USA on February 11, 2014:

I personally love colored gems. But I never buy any piece of jewelry, or any loose stone as an investment. To me it's like buying a new car... The minute you drive it off the lot, it has lost value!

I buy colored gems, and colored gem jewelry for variety, and because they're fun. I like making jewelry, and looking at jewelry, almost as much as wearing it.

I have found that buying used colored gem jewelry is a great way to get a good price. (Like you said, the resale value is always low.) And to be honest I have bought gem stones on line. For example, I bought a HUGE 123 karat sapphire online,from India, knowing it would be very poor quality. But it was dirt cheap, and makes a very interesting paper weight!

Great article!

I completed a course in jewelry designing with the dream of one day becoming an established jewelry designer.

About Mughal Jewelry

Five centuries ago, India was under the rule and influence of the Mughal dynasty. The Mughal royalty were connoisseurs of architecture, arts, food, clothing and of course, jewelry. During the Mughal rule, jewelry-making was given utmost importance. This art gave birth to unique jewelry pieces studded with chunky gemstones and enameled with motif designs. Royal family members and people of high rank proudly displayed such jewelry all over their bodies, from jeweled turbans and head-jewelry to thick-set toe rings.

After the Mughal era ended, most of the royal jewelry was preserved in Indian museums.

Centuries later, Mughal jewelry retained its lost glory thanks to the 2008 release of the movie Jodhaa Akbar about a romance between Mughal emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa. The magnificent jewelry worn by the leading pair, with its ornate patterns and imperial look, got the attention of both the common people and the jewelers. Now, many jewelry stores are stocked with splendid Mughal-styled jewelry.

Besides North India, Mughal jewelry is also popular in several other states of India. Though present-day Mughal jewelry has a modern twist to its look, it still emphasizes stonework and enameling and stays true to its roots.

The History of Mughal Jewelry

During the Mughal rule in India, which began in the 16th century, the art of jewelry-making flourished. Wearing expensive jewelry marked one's position. Emperors and empresses, as well as courtiers and other people of high ranks, were adorned with heavy jewelry beset with massive stones and beads. Various jewelers were hired privately to create magnificent jewelry pieces for the royal family and other important people. Rajasthan, a northwestern state of India, served as an exclusive hub for jewelry-making. The Mughal royalty often formed alliances with the Rajput rulers and married Rajput princesses. As a result, Mughal jewelry was further influenced by the Rajputs, and thus began the combination of Rajput quaint craftsmanship and Mughal delicate artistry. Some Mughal jewelry pieces were also influenced by 17th-century European Renaissance fashion.

The Impact of Mughal Jewelry on India

The Mughal emperors conquered most of India, and as a result, their influence extended well beyond North India. The typical Mughal style is visible in the jewelry of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Orissa. Mughal enameling and stonework were adopted by other Indian regions for their regional jewelry. The most notable jewelry style influenced by the Mughals is the Nizam jewelry of Andhra Pradesh in South India, which is now exhibited at the museum in the same state.

The Artwork of Mughal Jewelry

Important precious gemstones used in Mughal jewelry

• Diamonds (mostly uncut)
• Rubies (cut or uncut)
• Emeralds (cut or uncut)
• Pearls
• Sapphire
• Turquoise
• Tourmaline
• Topaz
• Jade
• Quality Beads

Though there are many more gemstones to name, the above-mentioned gemstones are frequently used in Mughal jewelry.

Mughal jewelry is a marriage of Indian intricacy and Middle Eastern elegance, uniting Indian goldwork with Middle Eastern floral designs. Heavy stonework and elaborate enameling are two major features that distinguish Mughal jewelry from other Indian jewelry. Its base is made mainly of gold. Gold-plated silver and other metallic bases are the affordable alternatives. Large precious and semi-precious gemstones are incorporated into the jewelry pieces. Kundan and polki stones are important aspects of Mughal jewelry.

Polki stones are white colored uncut diamonds with a matte finish. Kundan is one of North Indian specialized methods of setting gemstones in gold jewelry. Enameling is a time-consuming process that produces a stunning floral finish on both sides of a jewelry-piece. Birds, flowers, and paisley are the most common designs used in this jewelry technique. In India, the enameling process is known as meenakari and stone-setting is called jadau. Other unique forms of Mughal craftsmanship include filigree (threads or beads of gold) and thewa (gold patterns fused onto melted glass).

Turban Ornaments and Head Jewelry

The Mughal emperors wore silk turbans sequined with decorative, drooping feather-like ornaments. These turban ornaments are cast in enameled gold and are augmented with precious gemstones and pearls.

Empresses, as well, wore feather-like ornaments on their wide silk crowns. In their palaces, the royal ladies wore dainty head jewelry that hung downwards on one side of their foreheads. Such head jewelry was made of either gold or silver and decorated with precious gemstones and quality beads.

Earrings, Ear Studs, and Earring-Strings

The Mughal emperors and courtiers wore ear studs or small round earrings made of pearls or gemstones.

The empresses wore exquisite long earrings, which could be termed today as chandelier earrings. These stunning earrings were beautifully crafted out of fine enameled gold or pure silver and laden with multiple large gemstones, pearls, and premium beads.

Pretty strings attached to the earrings were fastened to the hair of royal ladies with tiny hooks. Some Mughal earring-strings were so long and thick that they almost covered the whole ear.

Nose Rings

Thanks to its introduction by the Mughals, Indian women have developed a special liking for this unique ornament that adorns their noses. Nose rings are produced out of fine gold or silver. They vary from cute tiny pins studded with minuscule gemstones or pearls to great circular hoops covered with multiple gemstones, pearls, and quality beads. Like earrings, nose rings may be joined to long strings fastened to the hair with tiny hooks.

Necklaces and Chains

The Mughal emperors and empresses wore rich necklaces and chains, strewn with pearls, gemstones, and quality beads. Necklaces and chains ranged from thin ornaments with enameled pendants to heavy ornaments with glittering gemstones. Gemstones and premium beads feature prominently on these ornaments, to give wearers a richly bejeweled look.

Bangles and Bracelets

What sets Mughal bangles apart from other Indian bangles are their unique shape and prominent stone-setting.

Bracelets are created in a circular shape with two ends (clasps) that touch each other.

These wrist ornaments are mostly produced with enameled gold elaborated with intricate floral designs and gemstones.

Rings and Hand Ornaments

The Mughal emperors wore multiple showy rings, made of pure gold or enameled gold or jade. Some Mughal rings are so huge that they cover two or three fingers. The ring centerpieces are either circular or square in shape and embedded with bulky gemstones.

Some rings, particularly thumb rings, designed for royal ladies had tiny mirrors installed for them to admire their reflections.

Hand ornaments are string-like jewelry pieces that covered the entire hands of empresses and stretched either from rings or bangles or both.

Armlets

Armlets worn by royal ladies were adjustable with either clasps or strings. They appeared in pure gold or enameled gold and were studded with many gemstones and pearls.

Waist Belts and Hip Chains

Waist-belts were chiseled out of gold to adorn the waists of emperors and empresses and festooned with gemstones and pearls.

Golden hip-chains strung with gemstones or pearls decorated the hips of empresses.

Anklets and Foot Ornaments

Royal Mughal ladies wore anklets of silver or gold-plated silver. Some anklets were covered with gemstones and trinkets, while others were intricately carved.

Foot ornaments consisted of strings of tiny trinkets, small gemstones, or pearls attached to anklets. Toe rings made of minuscule gemstones were also fastened to the anklets with jeweled strings.

Other Mughal Jeweled Possessions

So great was the Mughal royalty's fondness for enameling and stonework that they commissioned intricate craftsmanship for their swords, thrones, utensils, cases, weapons, and other treasures. The Mughal possessions were made of enameled gold, jade, and ivory and embellished with precious and semi-precious gemstones.

Mughal Jewelry at the British Museum in London (Click "Watch on YouTube")

Revival of Mughal Jewelry After the Release of the Movie Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

After the Mughal Empire declined, most of its valuable jewelry was either forfeited or sold. However, some jewelry pieces were recovered and are now displayed in museums. After the Mughal period, women preferred pure gold jewelry and jewelry pieces adorned with tiny beads and gemstones.

Thus, Mughal jewelry was forgotten for a considerable period of time until the year 2008, when the Mughal epic movie Jodhaa Akbar was released. This much-hyped film was a 16th century period romance-drama. One of India's leading jewelry companies, Tanishq, was commissioned to create the jewelry for this film. It was said that two hundred jewelers were employed to produce authentic-looking pieces in the 16th-century Mughal style. The stars of the film, Hrithik Roshan, who portrayed Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya Rai, who played the Rajput princess Jodhaa, wore such heavy jewelry throughout the film that the leading pair claimed that the toughest task in the entire film-shooting was wearing the bulky jewelry.

The popularity of Mughal jewelry was revived when people viewing the film were stunned by its splendor. Tanishq's Jodhaa Akbar jewelry line got tremendous response from buyers and inspired many other leading jewelry stores. Mughal jewelry is now extremely popular among women of all ages. It is commonly worn by brides at weddings to endow them with a royal look. With the escalation of gold prices, many imitation reproductions of Mughal jewelry were created to cater to enthusiastic buyers.

Mughal Jewelry in the Trailer for Jodaa Akbar

A Concluding Note

Five years later, after the release of Jodhaa Akbar, Mughal jewelry is now:

• every bride's dream;
• part of every aspiring jeweler's inventory;
• a center of attraction in jewelry stores and exhibitions;
• a big hit among the glitterati;
• and a jewelry collector's delight.

Clearly, Mughal jewelry is here to stay, now and forever.

Cast Your Vote in This Poll

© 2012 Ishwaryaa Dhandapani

Comments

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on August 15, 2013:

@ Indian Chef: Thank you for the read & engaging comments. Happy Hubbing! Take care

Indian Chef from New Delhi India on August 15, 2013:

Ishwaryaa, Beautiful Jewellery from the Moghul era. I don't know much about Jewellery but the old movies with girls full of gems always attract me. Voting it up, awesome and interesting.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on April 18, 2013:

@ Blond Logic: Hi, thank you for the visit & encouraging comments. I enjoyed learning about different types of jewelry including Mughal jewelry. Happy Hubbing! Take care

Mary Wickison from Brazil on April 18, 2013:

Absolutely beautiful! I had never seen this before. A waist belt, now that has to be the prettiest belt I have ever seen.

Thank you for bring this to our attention. I will be sharing this page.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on February 14, 2013:

@ Beltane73: Thank you for the read & encouraging comments. Happy hubbing!

Holly Kline from South Jersey on February 14, 2013:

So interesting, thank you! Voting up and interesting.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on January 23, 2013:

@ FullOFLoveSites: Thank you for the read & encouraging comments. Happy Hubbing!

FullOfLoveSites from United States on January 22, 2013:

Beautiful and stunning jewelry -- I like the necklace with dangling gemstones (amethyst, maybe?!?). Another interesting look at your culture. Thanks for sharing. Up, beautiful and a following. :)

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on January 18, 2013:

@ Glass-Jewelry: Thank you for the read and insightful comments. Happy hubbing!

Marco Piazzalunga from Presezzo, Italy on January 18, 2013:

Indian jewelry is very charming, very different from the Italian one but certainly very rich of oriental inspiration and attention to detail.

I had never heard of Mughal jewelry, and its stone processing with application of enamels, which was rarely used in the past by the Italian jewelry, is truly amazing.

Voted Beautiful!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on January 12, 2013:

@ Au fait: Thank you for the read & encouraging comments. Jewelry is one of my favorite things. Happy hubbing! Take care

C E Clark from North Texas on January 12, 2013:

Beautiful jewelry and interesting history. Very much enjoyed learning something new. Voted up, beautiful, interesting, and awesome. Will share with my followers!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on November 28, 2012:

@ dinkan53: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your encouraging comments. I agree with you that the Mughal gold-plated silver anklet looked very pretty & nice to know that you will be ordering a ring of this type. Happy hubbing! Take care

dinkan53 from India on November 28, 2012:

They are awesome and thanks for sharing the history. I really like the Mughal gold plated silver anklet and will surely order a ring of that kind. Voted and shared!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on November 18, 2012:

@ Millionaire Tips: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging comments. Nice to know that you watched the film and saw the typical Mughal jewelry worn by the cast in this film. Happy hubbing! Take care

Shasta Matova from USA on November 18, 2012:

I watched the movie and was really impressed with the jewelry but didn't know that it had made that kind of jewelry even more popular. It is gorgeous, and I appreciate learning about the history. Voted up.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on November 05, 2012:

@ molometer: I agree with you that they had a common ancestor. Once again thank you for sharing your engaging insights. Happy hubbing!

Micheal from United Kingdom on November 05, 2012:

It is surprising how similar they are in design. It shows they had a common ancestor.

Very interesting hub ishwaryaa22

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on November 02, 2012:

@ molometer: Wow! You shared your engaging insights, especially about the Celtic jewelry. Thank you not only for the visit & for your encouraging comments but also your knowledge of Celtic jewelry. Happy hubbing! Take care

Micheal from United Kingdom on November 02, 2012:

What a beautiful collection of fine jewelry.

These exquisite examples of craftsmanship, show us that our ancestors knew a thing or two about how to fashion gold, silver and precious gems.

There is one piece in this collection that is particularly interesting.

The Mughal gold plated silver anklet.

It is beautiful and looks remarkably like an early iron age (500 B.C.) Celtic Torc.

These were usually made from gold and are believed to have been introduced to the Celts by the Scythians, nomads of Eastern Europe and Asia Minor.

How fabulous to think that these designs are so ancient. That makes them even more desirable and precious.

Thanks for sharing.

Voting up and sharing. $$$$

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 29, 2012:

@ livingsta: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your encouraging comments. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 29, 2012:

@ rahul0324: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your insightful+ encouraging comments. Your insights on the Mughals are absolutely right. Happy hubbing! Take care

livingsta from United Kingdom on October 29, 2012:

That was a beautiful hub with beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed reading it!

Voted up and beautiful!

Jessee R from Gurgaon, India on October 29, 2012:

Detailed... descriptive in exhaustive form... what more info could one want..

Excellent writing Ishwaryaa... Mughals were indeed connoisseurs of every art form.

May it be food or jewellery... or architecture.. perfection and exquisiteness were their key features which is clearly evident from your hub

Awesome writing

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 23, 2012:

@ rcrumple: Hi! He ha - some jewelry are too pretty for women to resist them! Sometimes, I, my mother and my female relatives could not resist seeing stunning jewelry pieces even if they are priced very high! Thank you for the visit & sharing your encouraging+humorous comments. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 23, 2012:

@ Jools99: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your encouraging comments. Seeing photos of jewelry of any country is one of my joys in life. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 23, 2012:

@ lindalou1963: Thank you for the read & for your encouraging words. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 23, 2012:

@ jainismus: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your encouraging comment. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 23, 2012:

@ Daisy Mariposa: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your very encouraging comments. I enjoyed observing and reading about different types of jewelry in different countries of the world. Happy hubbing! Take care

Rich from Kentucky on October 23, 2012:

Really beautiful jewelry. Fascinating information. Remind me to keep my wife away from this hub. lol Great Job! Up & Interesting!

Jools Hogg from North-East UK on October 23, 2012:

Ish, very detailed interesting hubs with some great photos. Voted up and shared.

Linda from Texas on October 23, 2012:

Beautiful jewelry!

Mahaveer Sanglikar from Pune, India on October 23, 2012:

Great Hub with great information. Thank you for sharing it. Voted up and shared.

Daisy Mariposa from Orange County (Southern California) on October 23, 2012:

Ish (ishwaryaa22),

This is such a well-researched, well-written, beautiful Hub. Thanks for taking the time to publish it.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 16, 2012:

@ Ruchira: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your very encouraging comments. Nice to hear from a fellow-admirer of rich jewelry. Happy Hubbing! Take care

Ruchira from United States on October 16, 2012:

such a beautiful hub with beautiful pix of jewelry. I love rich and delicate jewelry and mughai era was rich thus, that kind of jewels.

very informative hub, Ishwaryaa.

voted up as interesting and sharing it across

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 14, 2012:

@ SilverGenes: Thank you for the read and for your engaging comments. I enjoyed seeing the photos of jewelry in different countries of the world. Happy hubbing! Take care

SilverGenes on October 13, 2012:

The jewelry is beautiful! What a legacy of art! I was completely unfamiliar with the history and the style and want to thank you for opening the door to a fascinating part of history.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 13, 2012:

@ Vinaya Ghimire: Thank you for the second visit & read. I am always honored by your visits. Happy hubbing! Take care

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on October 13, 2012:

Mughals were invaders but they left awe inspiring legacy.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 13, 2012:

@ unknown spy: Thank you for the second visit. Happy hubbing! Take care

Life Under Construction from Neverland on October 13, 2012:

sharing this again Ish!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 12, 2012:

@ sgbrown: Thank you for the visit & for your engaging+encouraging comments. Yes, Mughal jewelry has made a come-back thanks to the Mughal-era movie! Happy hubbing! Take care

Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on October 12, 2012:

Such beautiful jewelry! I love jewelry and I am glad that the Mughal jewelry has made a come back. It is truly beautiful! Voted up and beautiful as well as interesting! :)

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 11, 2012:

@ shabushaj: Thank you for the read and for your encouraging comment. Happy hubbing. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 11, 2012:

@ thumbi7: Hi, thank you for the visit and sharing your encouraging feedback. Happy hubbing! Take care

shabushaj from india on October 11, 2012:

very interesting ...a treasure which make us proud till now. Really nice

JR Krishna from India on October 11, 2012:

You have taken lot of pain to search the topic and to write this hub

Pictures look georgeous.......

Thanks for sharing:)

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 10, 2012:

@ SweetiePie: Hi, thank you for the visit & read. Happy hubbing! Take care

SweetiePie from Southern California, USA on October 10, 2012:

The imagery of this jewelry is quite beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 08, 2012:

@ barbergirl28: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your very encouraging feedback. Happy hubbing! Take care

Stacy Harris from Hemet, Ca on October 07, 2012:

What gorgeous jewelry. I have always admired the culture because of their eye for beautiful adornments. Great job!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 07, 2012:

@ vespawoolf: Hi, even my few relatives lost 1 or 2 tiny semi-precious jewelry pieces many years ago and we searched for them but unable to find them. We all should be more careful with the things that we liked. Nice to know that you admired Mughal jewelry. Please let me know after you purchased them. Happy hubbing! Take care

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on October 07, 2012:

Mughal jewelry is beautiful and elegant. I love some of the pieces you've included in the Amazon capsule. I've seen women wearing Mughal-inspired jewelry and always admired it. I had a pair of earrings and somehow lost one. I was so disappointed that I couldn't find it again! Now I'll definitely have to get another pair...and maybe a bracelet and necklace, too. : ) Thanks so much for sharing the interesting history.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 07, 2012:

@ tommyjohnson: Thank you for the read & for your insights. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 05, 2012:

@ QudsiaP1: Hi, thank you for the read and sharing your engaging insights. Happy hubbing. Take care

QudsiaP1 on October 05, 2012:

An unforgettable era of beauty, culture and civilisation with a sense of unique fashion.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 05, 2012:

@ Deepak Chaturvedi: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your encouraging comment. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 05, 2012:

@ rajan jolly: Hi, thank you for the visit. Your comments & feedback always encourage me. You are absolutely right about the importance of Mughal jewelry in the field of jewelry-making. Happy hubbing! Take care

Deepak Chaturvedi from New Delhi, India on October 05, 2012:

I think you are the right person to write about this topic beautifully,thanks ishwaryaa.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 04, 2012:

Ishwaryaa, a very educative & detailed hub about Moghul royal jewellery, which influenced the jewellery making in other cultures as well during that time and later.

Very interesting read and an amazing amount of effort is visible in making this hub valuable.

Voted up and across. Shared here and on G+1.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 04, 2012:

@ alocsin: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your insightful comments. Some Mughal jewelry (briefly stated in this hub) were influenced by the 17th century European style. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 04, 2012:

@ Brett.Tesol: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your insightful comments. I enjoyed learning about different types of jewelry in the world. Take care

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on October 04, 2012:

Beautiful stuff, especially the necklace with gemstones. It's interesting that the miniature portraits have a European look about them, despite the Mughal subjects. Voting this Up and Beautiful.

Brett C from Asia on October 04, 2012:

Up and interesting. This is the first that I have heard of Mughal jewelry, it really is beautiful. Nice to also see that a movie had a positive effect, bringing back the demand for this unique style.

Shared and pinned.

tommyjohnson on October 04, 2012:

This jewelry looks very cool. This isn't jewelry this looks like art. I haven't come across jewelers in Ottawa that have stuff quite like this, this is very unique. Thanks for sharing.

http://www.ringsetc.ca

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 04, 2012:

@ billybuc: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your encouraging feedback. It is absolutely no problem, my friend. No apology please. Happy hubbing! Take care

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on October 04, 2012:

For some reason, my friend, I am not getting notifications of your hubs. I apologize because I really do like your writing. This is a wonderful hub about a subject I know nothing about. The jewelry is beautiful and you did a great job of educating us.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 03, 2012:

@ Sherry Hewins: Thank you for the visit & for your encouraging feedback. I enjoyed learning about both Indian & international jewelry. Take care

Sherry Hewins from Sierra Foothills, CA on October 03, 2012:

What an amazing and detailed hub, and that jewelry is fantastic. I'm pinning this one, and sharing too. Very well done.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ Movie Master: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging feedback. I enjoyed browsing through numerous photos of both Indian & international jewelry. Take care

Movie Master from United Kingdom on October 02, 2012:

What beautiful jewellery! thank you for the interesting history and information, a fabulous hub!

Voted up, best wishes Lesley

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ teaches12345: Hi, thank you for the visit & for your engaging feedback. Happy hubbing! Take care

Dianna Mendez on October 02, 2012:

Beautiful jewelry! The history and background is interesting. Thanks for the education.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ Docmo: Hi, thank you for the visit. Your feedback and comments always encourage me. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ Nell Rose: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging feedback. Nice to know that you wore similar bracelets. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ AudreyHowitt: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging feedback. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ Vinaya Ghimire: Hi, yes you are right about the legacy left by the Mughals in the form of architecture and arts. Thank you for the visit and sharing your knowledge about the Mughal rule. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ Sunshine625: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your engaging comments. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ unknown spy: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your engaging insights. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ Peggy W: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging feedback. Actually, this video worked but only on YouTube if you press 'Click on YouTube' in the video. Happy hubbing! Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 02, 2012:

@ radhikasree: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your engaging comments. Take care

Mohan Kumar from UK on October 01, 2012:

Ishwaryaa.. this hub itself is a work of art worthy of a Mughal jewellery. I love the time and effort you've put in here as well as all the beautiful pics to accompany your info rich writing. truly awesome. pressed all buttons and shared!

Nell Rose from England on October 01, 2012:

Beautiful hub ishwaryaa, the jewelry is gorgeous, I particularly like the shape and style of the ankle bracelets, because I used to wear them similar to these years ago, I watched the British museum film with interest as I believe I have seen them there, I may be mistaken though, seriously a lovely hub, thanks for sharing nell

Audrey Howitt from California on October 01, 2012:

Beautiful jewelry! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on October 01, 2012:

Though Mughals invaded India and destroyed ancient Indian culture in some extent, they also left a wonderful legacy of art and architecture. Thanks for sharing this wonderful hub.

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on October 01, 2012:

Hi Ish, You have quite a gift of making pretty gems and jewels even more beautiful with your creative hubs. Awesome hub!

Life Under Construction from Neverland on October 01, 2012:

you guys have a very rich history especially on jewelries. I've seen Indian women here in my place still wear and treasure these kind of jewelries.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on October 01, 2012:

Wow! Gorgeous! That was my vote. It was so interesting learning about the history of Mughal jewelry and its resurgence after that movie made it popular once again. I couldn't watch the video from the Royal London museum as it has been disabled...at least on this end. Great hub! All kinds of up votes and sharing.

Radhika Sreekanth from Mumbai,India on October 01, 2012:

Mughal jewelery is a fascinating cultural heritage of India. The different ornaments shine in this hub with your spellbinding description.

Thanks for SHARING. Voted up as awesome and interesting.

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 01, 2012:

@ Mama Kim 8: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging feedback. I like observing various types of jewelry in different countries of the world other than India. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 01, 2012:

@ Sally's Trove: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging feedback. I am fascinated with jewelry and I enjoyed browsing through numerous photos of both Indian and international jewelry. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 01, 2012:

@ midget38: Hi, thank you for the visit and read. Your feedback always encourage me. I am very interested in observing both Indian and international jewelry. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on October 01, 2012:

@ Mhatter99: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your very encouraging comments. Take care

Sasha Kim on September 30, 2012:

Beautiful jewelry Ishwaryaa! I love all the great information you gave as well. Wonderful hub ^_^ voting and sharing!

Sherri from Southeastern Pennsylvania on September 30, 2012:

What a beautiful, rich hub. I went through all the pictures twice and enjoyed the Jodhaa Akbar trailer. What a satisfying way to spend some of my Sunday morning. Thank you. Up, beautiful, interesting!

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on September 30, 2012:

@ KDuBarry03: Hi, interesting to know that you learnt about Mughal India empire back in your 6th grade. Thank you for the visit and for your encouraging comments. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on September 30, 2012:

@ mary615: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your engaging comments. I enjoyed reading about Indian jewelry and international jewelry. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on September 30, 2012:

@ Janine Huldie: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging comments. Even I enjoyed learning from your engaging Trollsbeads World Tour collection hub-series. Take care

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani (author) from Chennai, India on September 30, 2012:

@ ignugent17: Hi, thank you for the visit and for your encouraging comments. Take care

Marty has been creating Sterling Silver Jewelry since the early 1980s. Marty has a passion for Vintage Mexican jewelry.

Rubies, Sapphires, Corundum

Rubies and sapphires are both types of corundum. Corundum is very hard as well as quite tough. On the Moh's scale, a scale that ranks the hardness of materials, diamond, the hardest mineral on earth, ranks a 10. Corundum has a Moh's scale of 9.

Mohs Scale of Hardness Explained

The Mohs scale of hardness only measures a gemstones ability to be scratched. The scale goes from 1 to 10 with talc being a 1 and diamond being a 10.

Another consideration when looking at the durability of a gemstone is its toughness. Although diamond can resist scratching from just about any other gemstone, it can easily be chipped if struck against a hard object.

Corundum on the other hand can withstand blows on a hard surface much better than a diamond.

Trace Elements Found in Corundum

Corundum in its purest form is a colorless gemstone. It's the added minerals that give rubies and sapphires their color. Traces of elements such as magnesium, copper, chromium, titanium, and iron all can have an effect on the corundum. It can turn it blue, purple, green, orange, yellow, pink, or in the case of the ruby, red.

Chromium: The Key to Rubies and Sapphires

Rubies and pink sapphires both get their color from traces of chromium that is inside the crystal. The only real difference is the amount of chromium that has taken the place of aluminum atoms in the corundum. The more chromium in the crystal structure, the more red the corundum will become.

The Differences Between Rubies and Sapphires

Scientifically, there is no difference between pink sapphire and ruby other than the amount of chromium present. The amount of chromium present in a pink sapphire is usually lower than 0.5%. The amount of chromium present in ruby is usually higher than 0.9%. So what about the ones that fall between 0.5% and 0.9%?

Other Factors Affecting Color

Another factor that affects the color of the gemstone is the way it is cut. Depending on the orientation of the crystal when it is cut, the gem could appear different shades of purple or orange. The size of the gemstone also has a great influence on the color of the stone. Larger stones will tend to look darker than smaller ones.

Even Professional Gemologists Dissagree

Major gemology associations continue to disagree as to what defines a ruby vs a pink sapphire.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

The GIA classifies rubies as only those corundum gems that have a dominant red hue. The laboratory grades rubies and sapphires with the use of masterstones to help determine if a gem is a ruby or a sapphire. They still indicate however that the dominant hue is subject to personal perception.

The International Gem Society (IGS)

The IGS list both pink rubies and pink sapphires with the sapphire being lighter in color than the ruby.

Other gemology associations have differing views as to what the two differences are. Some consider any shade or intensity of red to be considered a ruby.

Who Decides What It Is Called?

To make matters even more complicated, there is also controversy between orange sapphires, purple sapphires, and rubies. Each is corundum and each has a certain amount of chromium.

At what point does the pink sapphire become a pink ruby? Basically it comes down to where it was mined and, if it is certified, what the certification company calls it.

If the gem is mined in a location that is known for producing rubies, chances are that the pink gemstone will be called a ruby.

Is It a Pink Sapphire or Pink Ruby?

So, is it a pink sapphire or a pink ruby? It really depends on your point of view. Both ruby and sapphire are one and the same, a beautiful gemstone made of corundum.

Linda has written content for national fashion and beauty websites. She enjoys sharing style trends and tips with her readers.

Sterling and gold chain necklaces come in a variety of designs and are more popular than ever. They are a fashion accessory staple for both men and women. The designs range from chunky, open links to more sophisticated profiles. But do you really know what sets one apart from another?

11 Types of Chains

Can you tell the difference between a box and rope chain? Don’t feel bad. Most people realize there is a difference in appearance but aren’t aware of their unique characteristics. Whether you are buying a necklace for yourself or as a gift, it’s helpful to be able to identify different chain styles:

1. Herringbone
2. Bead
3. Box
4. Rope
5. Cuban
6. Snake
7. Cable
8. Figaro
9. Rolo
10. Anchor
11. Wheat

1. Herringbone

Herringbone, a classic necklace chain style, consists of a sequence of flat, short and parallel links placed in an offset pattern. Herringbone chains usually feature two or more rows of links. This understated chain type lies perfectly flat against the skin and is a suitable choice for casual daywear or a conservative office ensemble.

2. Bead

The bead or ball link style is similar to chains that hold military dog tags. The bead chain features a simple string of silver balls placed closely together. Chain necklaces can be long or short in length and often include decorative pendants. Bead chains vary in size from 2mm to 10mm. A graduated continuous bead chain provides a conservative look that mimics a pearl necklace.

3. Box

Box links resemble a series of wide, square cubes tightly connected to form a chain. Another name for the box chain is mirrored box chain. This chain style imparts a dazzling sparkle when its polished sides catch and reflect light. A box chain link looks great unadorned, but daintier versions work quite nicely with a pendant . This solid chain construction is extremely durable and will provide many years of daily wear.

4. Rope

The rope chain resembles twisted cable. Two or more intertwined oval links comprise this spiral chain type. The rope chain link can be thick or delicate, depending on the size of the oval chain loops. Some rope chains feature a diamond cut that sparkles just like its namesake. Choose a diamond rope chain for a dazzling evening necklace.

5. Cuban

The Miami Cuban necklace chain link, also known simply as Cuban, features sleek lines with close set links that are slightly flattened. Men tend to prefer this heavy, yet elegant necklace style. However, smaller millimeter links soften the look and are equally appropriate for a women’s necklace.

6. Snake

A snake link necklace features a succession of round, curvy metal rings that form a sleek, flexible chain. The smooth, shiny and bendable chain appears serpent-like–hence the name. Snake chain link necklaces often come with a slide pendant. Strength and durability make this familiar chain style a perennial favorite for necklaces.

7. Cable

The simple design of the cable link necklace appeals to men and women alike. The classic oval or round rings intersect at 90-degree angles creating the chain. You may be familiar with this link style from chunky ID and charm bracelets. Men prefer the look of heavier weight cable necklaces. Delicate cable link necklaces designed for women can be adorned with a pendant or layered with other chain styles.

8. Figaro

Alternating circular and rectangular links make up the Italian Figaro necklace style. This design typically incorporates one long rectangle or oval followed by a series of three small round links. This chain style peaked in popularity during the 1990s, but still has a loyal following.

9. Rolo

The rolo is made up of a series of round interlocking links in an alternating pattern which gives this simple necklace an intricate appearance.The links are smaller in diameter and a bit thicker than that of a typical cable chain. The design is extremely durable and comes in a variety of sizes and designs.

10. Anchor

Anchor chains come by their name naturally. Also known as a marine chain, the nautical design is strikingly similar to ship's anchor chain. This type of necklace is made up of interconnected ovals that feature a bar across the center of each link. They either lie flat or alternate like rolo or cable chains.

11. Wheat

Created by a braided pattern of flat and twisted oval links, the wheat chain has a unique textural appearance different than most other necklace chain styles. The flexible weave forms what looks like the heads of mature wheat stalks. This chain is often worn alone to showcase its impressive decorative motif.

Weigh In!

Questions & Answers

Question: I have a 3 chain twisted bracelet and I am trying to ID the style of the chain. It is similar to a Herringbone, flat with no visible link connection, but the angle is different. They are like a 2 piece wide "V." I checked the ones on Linda Chechar's page, but the closest is the Herringbone. Any ideas?

Answer: It could be either a multi-twisted wheat link or herringbone style. You can email a photo.

Question: Do you know of a chain link called Byzantine? I even heard them called super chains.

Answer: A Byzantine jewelry chain has links that create a rope-like design with texture. It is very flexible and easily drapes around the neck. It is a 4-in-1 chain which means each link passes through the others. It is similar to the box chain but the Byzantine links are alternate instead of fixed in the same direction.

Question: How do you weigh gold and determine worth?

Answer: To determine the value, look online for the current price of gold per ounce and multiply by it the number of ounces that will give you an approximate value. There are 31.1 grams in 1 Troy ounce of gold. To get the price per gram you must divide the price of gold per ounce by 31.1.

Question: What are the link differences between Curb Chain, Marine Chain, Popcorn Chain, Crisscross Chain, Omega Chain, and a Singapore Chain?

Answer: The curb chain has interlocked links that are flat. The marine chain is a nautical oval that looks like an anchor chain. The popcorn is extremely lightweight and is a puffy beaded tubular chain. The crisscross chain links cross over each other to form a twisted appearance that sparkles in the light. An omega chain is made from small, smooth and curved metal plates that are formed into a rounded necklace that is snake-like flexible. A Singapore chain are links in a series of flat, curvy links with diamond cuts similar to a rope chain.

© 2012 Linda Chechar

Start a Conversation!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on July 23, 2020:

Jake, it's probably DIY difficult to try to make the chain shortened. It would be best to take the wheat chain to a jeweler so they can get it shorter.

Jake Basmadjian on July 23, 2020:

I would like to shorten my wheat chain but am not sure how. Can you help me?

Nicky on July 12, 2020:

Hello- I think i can stump you!! i just bought a choker chain that is very unique. i have never seen this type link before. It's a 4-sided boxy design with long open triangular cut-outs but rectangular in shape as a whole. Each link is about the size of a grain of rice and each link has a tight coil inside of it. I can send a photo.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on December 12, 2019:

Trish Barber, you can send an image plus a question via email and then I can respond on the comment post.

trish barber on December 12, 2019:

maybe i missed this info...but is there a way i can post photos on here to ask questions about?

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on June 11, 2019:

RupertTheDog, it could be a 3-chain twist herringbone or the wheat link style. You can send a photo.

RupertTheDog on June 11, 2019:

I have a 3 chain twisted bracelet and I am trying to ID the style of the chain. It is similar to a Herringbone, flat with no visible link connection, but the angle is different. They are like a 2 piece wide "V." I checked the ones on Linda Chechar's page, but the closest is the Herringbone. Any ideas? I can email a photo! Thanks in advance!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on May 20, 2019:

Valerie, the snake chain is a beautiful design. Glad you enjoyed the necklaces!

VALERIE on May 20, 2019:

I prefer the snake, it looks sleek and sturdy.

I really enjoyed seeing all the different types

of chains.

Thank You

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on November 01, 2018:

Fabian glad you like the figaro (at least that is the one I think you meant.) All of the necklace chains are beautiful but I do like some of the chunkier styles. Thanks for stopping by!

Fabian on October 31, 2018:

I prefer the franco

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 22, 2012:

Leah, the rope is a nice design and they come in more delicate weights. Thanks much for reading and commenting!

Leah Lefler from Western New York on August 22, 2012:

I didn't realize there were so many necklace chain styles! I prefer the rope style personally, though I like delicate jewelry.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 11, 2012:

Teaches, so good to hear from you! I prefer herringbone and rope -- they're versatile and beautiful. Thank you for the vote and weighing in with your favorite necklace chain design! :)

Dianna Mendez on August 10, 2012:

Hey, Lindacee! I love this hub post. Thanks for the descriptions and style references. I see that many of the readers prefer the herringbone, my favorite. Voted up.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 08, 2012:

Meloncauli, thanks for reading -- I even learned how to identify a few that I had heard of, but wasn't sure exactly what they looked like! One of the many benefits of being a Hubaholic! Hope all is well. :)

meloncauli from UK on August 08, 2012:

Great hub Linda! There was a couple I didn't know so I learned something!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 07, 2012:

K, I too am glad it fetches a decent price these days! ;) So pleased you enjoyed the Hub!

Kristi Sharp from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on August 07, 2012:

Great information all in one place. I'm the jewelry junkie. Definitely. Thank heaven it's become lucrative to sell it! ha ha ha. Love your hub. -K

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 07, 2012:

Glad I could help, Om! Yes, these are some of the most common necklace chain designs. We instantly recognize them when we see them, but putting a name to them does help!

Om Paramapoonya on August 07, 2012:

I believe I had seen all these necklace designs before but didn't know the proper terms for some of them. Thanks for the info. Now I can sound like a necklace expert! hehehe

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 07, 2012:

Angela, there are so many more, but I wanted to keep the Hub to a reasonable length. May have to do a Part 2! Good to hear from you! It is always gratifying to know I've shared info that benefits readers! :) Thanks!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on August 06, 2012:

Yes, Qudsia and I didn't even have a chance to touch on all of the different styles! So happy you enjoyed reading this Hub! Thanks for commenting!

Angela Blair from Central Texas on August 06, 2012:

I knew of the box, snake and herringbone style -- and do so appreciate the education on the rest of the chains. Good and informative Hub. Best/Sis

QudsiaP1 on August 06, 2012:

I had no idea or perhaps never even thought of chains in that detail. It never occurred to me that they may even have names.

Thank you so much for sharing this article.

Claire, an ex-pat Montanan, ardent Progressive and former jeweler, covers NYC-based film festivals for Bright Lights Film Journal.

The Perfect Fit: A Myth

You can stop reading here if you are looking for a guarantee: When it comes to rings—and a lot of other things—there’s no such thing as a perfect fit.

Day-to-day, minute-to-minute changes can be caused by hormone fluctuations, a high-salt Mexican meal, something from the Taco Treat, a late night, a few margaritas, or the high humidity of a summer night. "Uh oh—my ring won’t come off!"

For many women, a "good fit" means "comfortable most of the time." There are days when rings are too tight and days when they’re a little loose.

Typical Ring Sizer

Twelve Sizing Tips

How do you know you have a good fit? I was a professional jeweler for over two decades. Read on for my 12 tips.

1. Get a Professional Sizing

Get your finger professionally sized. That doesn’t mean running into a jewelry store that uses a plastic sizer and an untrained sales clerk. It means dealing with an experienced professional. Still, mistakes are made.

Sometimes people are difficult to size, and we have to try again. Sometimes a person’s weight changes, or the season changes (a ring size in Montana in February isn’t exactly the same as it is in August). Sometimes a custom shank (the part of the ring that goes around your finger) fits differently.

Know what a good size looks and feels like: Rings should go on with relative ease and come off with a little difficulty.

Try on a few, and you'll get the idea. I told my clients, "You should be able to see a little bit of Montana between your finger and the ring when it's on your finger." Some jewelers say you should be able to fit a toothpick between the finger and the ring, but I think fit issues are too individual for that specific rule.

2. Do It Again—With Someone Else

If you are anticipating wearing a valuable ring for years to come, it’s worth getting sized more than once by several different jewelers.

3. Get Sized After Lunch, Before Dinner

The best time of day to be sized is from mid- to late-afternoon when most people’s fingers tend to be at their largest stable size of the day.

4. Width Matters

Use the correct type and width of sizers. Metal sizers are more reliable than plastic. Sizers attached to a huge heavy metal circle with other sizers are less reliable than individual sizers. And if your size is between a 6 and 6 1/2, by all means ask for a 6 1/4.

Remember the axiom: The wider the ring, the tighter the fit.

If you are considering a wide ring, use a wide sizer or have your jewelry professional compensate for the tighter fit when the ring is ordered or made.

5. Is There a Mandrel Nearby?

A mandrel is the tool a goldsmith uses to create rings of a desired size. It's a tapered tube with marking showing where the width of the tube corresponds with specific ring sizes.

Have your jeweler cross-reference the sizer that fits your finger with a nearby mandrel while you are there. I've seen some sizers that disagree with my mandrels. Ask your jeweler if he uses the same mandrel his goldsmith uses (or the same brand).

6. Thin Silver Rings Stretch

Silver is notorious for stretching. Buy a ring that fits, but, especially if the shank is narrow, understand that you might need to have the ring sized at a later date—and if there are special finishes, they can be very difficult to replicate.

7. The Tension Mounts

Rings that are truly tension set are not sizable since the precious metal is "work-hardened." If the ring needs to be sized, the heat that’s needed for the process will destroy the integrity of the tension setting.

If you must have a tension set ring, then do not ever gain or lose too much weight. Never jam a finger playing basketball—or accept the reality that your custom-made ring is not a "forever" purchase. At some point, you might want to re-set your center, add a support ring under the center stone, or convert the ring into a "channel setting," if possible.

8. Eternity Is Forever

Eternity rings should stay the same size for... an eternity.

What’s an eternity ring? It’s a ring with a design that’s endless—it goes all the way around the ring. These rings are very difficult to re-size. Beyond very narrow tolerances, they are often impossible to size without a loss in the aesthetic (a "line" that slices eternity).

9. Ask If a Ring Is Easily Sizeable Before You Buy

Some rings have design features that are not conducive to re-sizing. Two-tone rings and rings of non-traditional alloys (such as ceramic steel) are sold by size and are generally non-sizeable, and "invisible-set" rings can only be slightly adjusted by very skilled professionals if (and only if) they are very well made and the size change is very slight (usually one size).

Because of these potential issues down the road, be sure to ask if a ring is sizable before you buy. Then pretend you need the job done. Ask if they'll size it for you, and how much they'll charge. If the seller says the ring is sizeable, have them write it on the receipt so you have some ammo later if the jeweler fumbles and pales at the idea of sizing the ring.

10. Do You Have "Tipi Fingers" or Enlarged Knuckles?

Some fingers are, by their shape, a pain to size. Rings should barely fit over your knuckles so they don't fall off, but if the base of your fingers is thicker or much thinner than your knuckles, you run into problems.

If you have "tipi fingers" (with small or non-prominent knuckles), rings have to be quite snug.

If you have arthritic or enlarged knuckles, you'll find that rings that fit over your knuckles are too loose on the base of your finger. There are options for you, too. At Big Sky Gold, we offer a US-made double-snap shank for enlarged knuckles. It snaps open so you can bypass the knuckle altogether, then snap it securely closed around the base of your finger. Clients rave about it (sometimes after they breathe into a paper bag after hearing the price—it ain't cheap, but it's a great solution for a ring you love and want to wear for years).

11. A Little Slip or Sleight of Hand?

Don’t wear a ring that's too loose or too tight!

A poorly fit ring is more likely to fall off or to be removed and left behind. It's worth the time and trouble to have your ring professionally fitted and to check the ring and the fit at least once a year.

12. When All Else Fails

Over the past couple of decades, I've had a client or two who just won't wear a ring. May I suggest the tattoo parlor a few blocks down the street?

No worries about fit there. Just hold still...

Questions & Answers

Question: can a ring be tightened while on your finger?

Answer: The only way I know how to do that is to eat a high salt meal -- that'll swell up your fingers. Seriously, Professional sizing of fine jewelry, whether it's a leaf spring, sizing balls, or true "sizing" requires heat (an acetylene torch is not flesh friendly). Even adding a bead of silicone (a temporary solution at best) means you have to take the ring off to apply the silicone and wait for it to cure. I'm guessing you have enlarged knuckles, or the loose ring would come off, no problem. Please go to a qualified jeweler to have the ring removed, or you are likely to create further damage. Call first, to be sure the jeweler provides this service--and find out how much they charge.

If there's a "clip on" sizer out there, I'm not aware of it (I retired in 2014 and no longer read jewelry trade journals).

Question: What is the approximate cost of a double snap shank on a fine band?

Answer: I've been out of the jewelry business since 2014, so I don't have a good estimate for you. It's going to vary anyway, depending on the SIZE of the existing ring and the size of your finger; the detail in that ring; the alloy (14 k.? 18 k.? Platinum?), and the width of the ring...not to mention the skill level and warranty offered by the person who will fit the ring to your finger, and the person who will install the shank for you.

This is one of those times when the lowest bid might not be the best. It's cheaper to do it right the first time.

You'll want someone who is experienced with these retrofits -- preferably an authorized dealer, or at least a jeweler who will offer a written warranty for the mechanism. On complex jobs, I sent the whole ring to the DoubleSnap guys and let them do it (sometimes AFTER removing the center stone because they didn't want the liability of shipping a shank on a ring with a $30,000 center gemstone).

You cannot get a great job on a Superfit/DoubleSnap without being fitted in person. You don't want to "guess." I would suggest you make a couple of appointments with qualified dealers, and get a couple of estimates.

Let good questions and your gut be your guide.

Comments

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on March 24, 2020:

Hi Roberta,

I'm pretty sure you're asking about a leaf spring, an old-school solution for ring that's a bit too big. It's a permanent C-shaped metal ring-within-a-ring, soldered off-center inside the shank, so it's pretty much invisible when the ring is on your finger. Leaf springs are a nice budget-friendly way to get a better fit when there isn't too much size difference between the ring and your finger. Ask your jeweler. I've been retired for five years, though. There may be a new solution (some kind of CAD-based fitter?) that I'm just not up on. Good luck!

Roberta Wolfard on March 23, 2020:

What do u call the thing that goes inside your ring to keep it tight ?

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on January 02, 2018:

I replied to Char privately, but please keep the weather in mind. Right now, I'm in Mishawaka, Indiana, and it's below zero outside. The hotter and more humid it is, the bigger your finger is likely to be. You might want to get a wider shank--if you have a wider ring that you no longer wear, a goldsmith might be able to solder or weld that shank to your loose, narrow-shanked ring.

Char on January 02, 2018:

Hi i just got a new setting for my diamond. I’m usually a size 7.5 but I’ve noticed that when my fingers swell due to heat and arthritis the 7.5 feels uncomfortable so i made this one a 7.75 but now it is very easy to take off. I did the ‘shake ur hand’ to see if it will come off and it does get past my knuckles.

My question is, do u you think i should keep it at the 7.75 because it does not come over my knuckle when aggressively shaken or resize it to a 7.5?

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on September 22, 2017:

April has larger fingers: she wants input on what will work best for her 'forever ring'...Well, April, there's more to it than what the ring looks like. It's how it feels, and how it makes YOU feel! Try on a bunch of rings (cheap rings are fine, you're just getting an idea--don't try your partner's patience while you narrow down your wants and needs). Don't just try on wide bands, either. Try on a few 'split shanks' (ask a jeweler to show you), and medium width rings. A thin-shanked ring is usually not the best idea for a large hand, but you might consider 'stacker bands' to ride alongside a more delicate solitaire. Please keep in mind what you do for a living, too (you don't want to damage your ring). Hope this answer helps.

April on September 22, 2017:

I have very large fingers should I wear a thin ring with a large fingers or A large width ring. I 'm trying to figure out what would look more attractive one my large fingers

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on April 05, 2017:

Angel asked, below, if she can hope to find a jeweler with a selection of rings for larger fingers...The answer is, sadly, no...and it gets WORSE. If you have a large finger, be wary of sizing up a ring that's "cute" in a size 6. Not only will the proportions be distorted, but the sizing job is easy to botch. Side stones may fall out if they are not properly re-set--and some rings just won't go from a 6 to a 10. There's a temptation to use thin sizing stock, so if they solder thin gold to make up the difference, the back of your ring will wear out fast (or just "ping" open at the solder seam). My advice is to call around before you shop, to find out who can best help you. Then INSIST on fine craftsmanship when the ring is sized up. Tell them you don't want a thin shank, and tell 'em to "put it in the shaker" to be sure small side stones don't go flying. You may consider a custom ring ($$$$), or a thick band ($$), to start. And, if you don't mind my saying so, a big hand deserves a big rock :) Read my blog about diamond shapes to see what shape would be better for your hand and your lifestyle. Best wishes to you and your boyfriend!

Angel on April 04, 2017:

My boyfriend and I have been discussing engagement, and excited to start looking into rings. I do not have dainty fingers and I can wear a 10-11 sized ring. If I wanted to go to a jeweler, would they have a selection of rings for me to try? If so, would I have a large amount of options?

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on December 14, 2016:

I'm not a lawyer, just a retired jeweler...but I'd go back with the ring, tell the story to the salesperson and demonstrate that it's a bad fit. If you don't get help, ask to see a supervisor. You might want to remind them that it's Holiday season, and you would like to spread a little good cheer about your new ring from THEIR STORE, instead of a story that inspires coal in someone's stocking. Joyeux Noelle!

Noelle on December 14, 2016:

Brought a ring today perfect fit ,sales man went out the back put it in a box ,when I get home it wasn't the same size as the perfect fit one .it falls off .what are my rights with him changing it .i don't want a refund just changed .

BaizBlogger (author) from Chelsea, NYC/South Bend, IN/Great Falls MT on December 13, 2016:

Double-snap shanks are pricey, but they solve a lifetime of problems. Click on the link in the story. I'm not sure, but I think they are still in business. If not, try SuperFit. Same principle. Good luck, Angela.

Angela Kaperonis Rossi on December 13, 2016:

My fiancé Mario got me the wrong size , I got it resized. He tried but my knuckles are big!!!!

ha on July 12, 2016:

the hand with the tattoo has a great pinky nail... i wonder why it's longer than the others?

I'm a makeup and beauty enthusiast, always on the lookout for fresh looks!

Is it Safe to Buy Jewelry in the Caribbean?

Yes, and it depends. Yes, in the sense that it is as safe a purchase that you could make in the United States. It depends in the sense that if you have a problem with your purchase and your vacation is short-term, you could have problems returning your item for a refund.

The United States is full of retail stores that will either sell you what you legitimately believe you are buying or rip you off as well. It is the same story everywhere. Please see the video below for more guidance.

How to Shop for Jewelry in the Caribbean Without Getting Ripped Off

• Stick to brand names. It is unlikely that any brand name merchandise you find in the Caribbean is a knock-off. The islands usually don't have the resources to coordinate knock-off merchandise. Not only that, the reputation of the islands is very reliant on tourist dollars. If they become known for selling knock-offs, they could easily lose credibility as a retail destination and be sued on an international level since it is easy to home in on a small island. On the other hand, almost any precious gemstone retailer in any country in the world can fudge the truth about carat weight, color, or clarity without too much incident except for anger on the part of the buyer. With that being the case, you can safely buy brand names such as Pandora and Movado in the Caribbean and breathe easily.

How to Safely Buy Jewelry on a Caribbean Cruise Vacation

• Know what you want before you go. Are you looking for diamond anniversary rings, watches, or emerald earrings? If you are on a cruise ship, there will usually be a jewelry shopping expert the cruise ship has hired. You can ask this person for advice as to which stores have a good variety of what you are looking for and have had the least incidents. While this is no guarantee because the cruise lines get kickbacks from the jewelers, the cruise line also has a reputation to uphold by giving you names of reliable retailers. You can also look at the island's tourist website for suggested jewelry retailers. In both cases, type those names into Google and see if there are any reviews that are telltale signs of whether the jewelers are reputable or not.
• Know a dollar amount comparison for a similar item in the United States. If you know that a diamond ring of a specific carat weight, clarity, and color is sold for $2,500 in the United States, getting it for $2,100 and no sales tax in the Caribbean constitutes a good deal.
• Do not fall to pressure. Caribbean jewelry salespeople are notorious for high-pressure sales tactics. To the point that it almost seems ridiculous. Simply remember you can just cut off the conversation and walk out of the store. You are on vacation and aren't obligated to respond or make excuses if you don't want to purchase something.
• Be aware that many jewelry stores on the same street are owned by one company. You could be quoted three different prices from three different stores for the same item. The trick is that these three stores could all belong to the same corporation. You have no way of truly knowing, so if you really like the item, just go to the store with the lowest price.
• Stick to a small purchase. If you want the thrill of buying jewelry in an exotic location but cannot get past the fear that you could be ripped off, stick to a dollar amount that won't be painful for you to part with. For example, instead of spending $1,500 for an anniversary ring, spend $200 on another piece of jewelry you also would like to purchase. Perhaps you can buy a pair of earrings or a bracelet for a memento. Then keep the remaining $1,300 to buy your anniversary ring back in your home country.

Questions & Answers

Question: How does a person get a refund from Diamonds International if the jewelry does not appraise for what they say?

Answer: According to their site, www.diamondsinternational.com/return-policy, it looks like you can return it within 30 days. It appears you wouldn't have to be concerned about providing a reason for return.

Question: Do you know anything about Kay's Fine Jewelry in Aruba?

Answer: According to their website they have a 30-day online purchase no questions asked return policy. There is no stated policy for in-person purchases.

© 2012 Life and Luxury

Andrea Marshall is a long-time entrepreneur and jewelry designer.

How jewelry designers got started in their career seems to be a very interesting subject to a lot of people. Did they hit the ground running and become an overnight success? Were they “discovered” on a beach stringing shells by some wealthy investor who financially nurtured them into the sophisticated artist they became? Or did they slog it out for 20 years and gradually grow into fame and fortune?

A Compelling Career

There’s just something compelling and so attractive about jewelry designers. I don’t think a lot of other peoples’ occupations stir up the same kind of interest and excitement. “Oooo, you’re an insurance lawyer! Wow, how exciting! What made you want to practice insurance law?” Nope. It just doesn’t happen.

My Brush With Fame!

I remember when I first met Steven Lagos, the fabulous designer who creates museum-inspired fine jewelry, at a Chicago trunk show. I was so in awe of his talent, I got weak-kneed and tongue-tied. But what was most important to me was what inspired him to start creating jewelry and what his early days were like. He graciously tried to answer my questions, but he was trying to sell jewelry, and there were a lot of people clamoring for his time, so I never got a response.

David Yurman's Story

How have some of the most famous, or popular, jewelry designers got their start? David Yurman, for one, was not an overnight success. He and his wife never expected the company to be the worldwide phenomena that it is today. They just wanted to make enough money to pay the bills!

At 16, he was already exhibiting talent, producing little angel sculptures that he was selling at his high school. He studied for a year at NYU, left for California to hang out for a year in an artist’s commune, came back east to Greenwich Village and started studying with such famous sculptors as Jaques Lipshitz and Theodore Rozack. He was apprenticing as a sculptor with Hans Van de Bovenkamp when he met his future wife, Sybil Kleinrock.

How He Got Noticed

Like so many other designers’ stories, things started to happen when Sybil started wearing David’s pieces. An art gallery owner wanted to purchase one of David’s creations that Sybil was wearing at an art opening in 1970, and that, along with other important sales, prompted them in the early 1970’s to open Putnam Art Works in the country.

During that decade, they spent their time doing art fairs, developing their craft, exhibited their artwork and jewelry, and learned the marketplace for fine jewelry. In 1980, the company David Yurman was born, and by the mid-80’s had already established a national reputation and was showcased in Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman-Marcus, Bloomingdales and other high-end retailers.

Roberto Coin: A Different Story

Roberto Coin’s story is an interesting one, too. In my opinion, just about everyone Italian oozes with taste, talent and sophistication, so of course Roberto Coin is a jewelry designer, right? But his is a story of honoring your soul that paid off handsomely.

His parents died young, and he was sent off to boarding school in Switzerland to study the hotel trade. After school, he worked at a Channel Islands hotel and gradually assumed more and more responsibility. A very upwardly mobile and ambitious man, he owned his own hotel at the age of 24 and became one of the youngest hoteliers in Europe.

Risky Business

But he nurtured other dreams. Despite his success, he yearned for a life immersed in beauty and fashion. At 32 in the late 1970’s, he sold his hotel and took the proceeds to begin brokering jewelry. It was a daring and romantic move for a young man who had no jewelry experience whatsoever.

He Had a Plan

For many years he developed his reputation and learned the craft, his personal charm creating relationships that would be invaluable later on. In 1984, he finally felt ready to design jewelry, and for another 12 years designed for some of the most notable names in fine jewelry today. In 1996 he finally struck out on his own, and, cliché notwithstanding, the rest is history.

Such Different Stories

Roberto Coin and David Yurman had very different early beginnings. One studied under great masters. The other was essentially self-taught. Yurman wasn’t well-known in jewelry circles and did the art & craft fair route until his exposure reached a critical mass. Roberto Coin was very well known by the time he started his company and the fashion world was waiting for his debut.

. . . With One Fundamental Similarity

But they both had one thing in common: persistence! It took 15 to 20 years for both of them to achieve the beginnings of the success they now possess. David and his wife trudged through the entire decade of the 1970’s doing art shows, slowly building his clientele and reputation as he developed and improved upon his technique and style. Roberto Coin worked for at least 7 years learning the trade. Then he worked another 12 years (!) developing his craft and style through other companies.

The Power of Passion!

They may not have understood or formulated their goals early on, but I’d be willing to bet my firstborn child that as time on went their goals became razor sharp. There is one thing I can guarantee, however, being a jewelry designer myself. They LOVED what they did, and do. Nobody spends that much time on a path unless they are passionate and single-minded about it. Nothing will get in their way. Failure will not deter them. Hardship and despair are obstacles to overcome. A person doesn’t just work as a jewelry designer; a person IS a jewelry designer. It’s more than love; it is who we are.

My Story

I’m sure both David Yurman and Roberto Coin are asked incessantly how they became jewelry designers. I’m asked that question frequently. Sometimes I give the flippant simple answer. “I made a necklace, and I sold it. Voila! AndreaGems was born.” And it’s true, in the most surface of ways.

Mid-life Crisis!

But in reality I was at a crossroads in my life. As a successful real estate agent in downtown Chicago for 20 years, I was living the good life. But I was so tired of what I was doing, and I’d been tired for a long time. I felt like the life was being slowly sucked out of me. I couldn’t imagine doing this for much longer, let alone for the rest of my life. But my husband and I was a two-income couple. Our lifestyle (and mortgage) was based on two high incomes. I was a prisoner of my job.

I come from a family of artists. I knew that I could no longer turn my back on my creative side. But how could I make money and be creative at the same time? This was a very difficult period. A caterpillar crawling out of his cocoon turns into a butterfly. What was this caterpillar going to turn into?

When in Doubt? Clean Your House!

So what did I do to help me think through that period? I cleaned my house! I cleaned out closets, the garage, drawers, and in one drawer there were a bunch of necklaces that I hadn’t worn in years. I got a little angry because they weren’t cheap and I didn’t especially like them. But it was such a waste to have them sitting in drawer gathering dust.

Turning Coal into Diamonds

I got a brilliant idea! I’d remake them into something I’d wear! What a concept! I decided to those take a 2 hour stringing class, and I was shocked to see what beautiful things I created from ugly necklaces.

That weekend, I went on a business trip to Miami with my husband, and wore one. One of his clients tried to buy the necklace off of my neck. I said no. He kept upping the price. It got ridiculous. I didn’t sell it because I thought he was an idiot.

The next evening we went out to dinner, I wore another necklace. Another client of my husbands’ wanted to buy that necklace off my neck for his girlfriend. He was a sweetie pie, so I sold it to him.

What Is Happening Here?

By the end of next week, I had sold all of the remade jewelry, and I thought that something fundamentally important had happened. It was as if the skies had parted and God had pointed his finger at me and said, “You have found your calling. Now go be fruitful and multiply . . . your jewelry."

And that’s what I did. I jumped into jewelry design feet first, real estate be damned. I knew nothing about the business, but that didn’t matter to me. I had discovered my calling.

It’s now 7 years later. And that’s another story.

Note: The jewelry modeled in this article is jewelry that I have designed!

Comments

ravi khanna on September 13, 2016:

SafeEarth add a touch of elegance to the jewelry with our brass and silver findings. Whether it is a bracelet that SafeEarth making or a necklace that you they are designing http://safeearth.in

Pam Older on June 03, 2013:

Thanks for writing this interesting piece on jewelry designers. As a handmade jewelry designer, it's interesting to see who takes off and how they did it. My website is www.pamolderdesigns.com if you want to learn more about how I got started! Thanks Andrea

oyindoubara on May 20, 2013:

This is such wonderful information. I was doing some research on how specifically, jewelry designers got their start and became successful. I wasn't looking for people that were already big boys in the fashion industry and decided to branch into jewelry.

I am a new jewelry designer myself and in my very early stages where everyday, I get a clearer definition of my style and find my own voice. I am very inspired by Roberto Coin's story and encouraged by your own personal story.

The key thing to take away from this post is diligence. As long as we keep at it and everyday do a little extra to improve our skills, success and world fame will come chasing us (and not the other way round :) )

Thanks again for this post... love love it.

make on February 28, 2013:

www.swisstimeus.com/bvlgari-c-18.htmlReplica Bvlgari Watchesof a revelation to me.I would name your blog the dreamland! While Santa knocks at our door just once per year, you blog is open the whole year – wow!

Ruby Lane specializes in antiques and art, vintage collectibles, and jewelry.

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is one of the most popular colored gemstones. Today, Amethyst can be found in many moderately priced pieces of jewelry. Until the 19th century, Amethyst held a very elite place in the gemstone world, being considered one of the 5 "Cardinal" gems, along with Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.

Amethyst in the Ancient World

Amethyst has been used in jewelry since at least the time of the Egyptian Empire. Some Amethyst mining may have occurred as early as 3000 BCE. The stone was widely used during the 11th Dynasty and Middle Kingdom period, from around 2000 BCE to 1650 BCE. Wadi-el-Hudi was an important mining locality during at the time but appears to have been depleted during this period, and the popularity and availability of Amethyst waned. It was probably during this period that the purple color first became associated with royalty. There was an active trade in Amethyst in the Aegean, and the Romans operated some mines during the Roman period of Egyptian history.

The traditional association with Amethyst continues, with Amethyst being featured in several pieces of British Royal Family regalia, including some Orbs. The Royal Scepter contains an impressive Amethyst. However, it is overshadowed by the 530 carat Cullinan I diamond.

Amethyst is mentioned as one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus. The Hebrew "Ahlamah," may mean "strong," or may refer to a location where Amethyst was mined. This was translated in the Greek texts of the Book to "Amethystos." All stones had an association with the Twelve Tribes of Israel, which were identified by engraving on the stones, and Amethyst is associated with the Tribe of Benjamin.

Amethyst is also referenced in Greek and Roman mythology, in similar stories. In the Greek version, the maiden Amethystos is pursued by the god Dionysus. The goddess Artemis turns the maiden into a statue of colorless Quartz, to protect her from Dionysus. A remorseful Dionysus pours his wine on the statue, turning it purple. In the Roman version, an angry Bacchus swears that the first person he encounters will be devoured by tigers. This person is the maiden Amethysta, who is turned to colorless Quartz by the goddess Diana. Bacchus attempts to revive the maiden with wine but only succeeds in changing her color.

The word "amethystos" literally means "not intoxicated." Whether the legend springs from this meaning or the meaning from the legend is unclear. However, sobriety and Amethyst have an association that dates back to this time. Drinking wine from an Amethyst chalice was said to prevent intoxication. Perhaps a crafty ruler in the midst of negotiations drank water from such a goblet, only appearing to drink wine, and surprised everyone with his ability to stay sober!

Amethyst has always been favored as a Christian Ecclesiastical stone, often featured in the rings of Bishops. The assurance of sobriety is part of this tradition, as well.

The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks mastered various aspects of gem carving and engraving, with the Greeks mastering intaglio and relief carving by the 5th Century BCE. The Romans were skilled in engraving and carving gems, and Amethyst was one they often used. An exquisitely carved oval Amethyst, depicting the head of the Roman Emperor Carcalla exists. It was later modified, with the addition of an engraved cross and inscription, in an attempt to create an association with St. Peter.

Amethyst in History

The history of gem cutting leads us to Idar-Oberstein in Germany. This area was clearly established as a mining locality for Amethyst and Agate by the 14th century. Some accounts claim that the area was mined since the time of the Roman Empire. Some Amethyst was said to come from the Zillertal Alps, on the Italian border. Idar-Oberstein had wonderful water power for their gem processing, provided by the river Nahe. In addition to cutting and polishing, the craftsmen here mastered the secrets of dyeing Agate, which they maintained until the early 20th century.

As local sources for gem material for processing became more scarce, hard times fell on the area. Some locals went to Brazil, where massive new gem finds provided all the material the cutters would ever need. Several firms with German and Swiss roots are still major players in the gem markets of South America. Idar-Oberstein has also established itself as the training ground for many of the world’s leading colored gem cutters of the 20th Century, such as the legendary Bernd Munsteiner.

While the connections to the massive finds of gem materials in Brazil, and other areas of South America, saved Idar-Oberstein as a cutting center, the volume of material impacted availability and prices. The large Brazilian discoveries date to around 1725, but the higher prices of the material was maintained until later, in the 19th century. Amethyst eventually declined in value. The gemologist, Max Bauer, commented on the change in valuation of a notable piece of Amethyst jewelry in 1904. A bracelet owned by England’s Queen Charlotte had been valued at more than £2000 in the early 19th century was estimated by Bauer to be worth only £100 in the early 20th Century. George III was said to have purchased some expensive Amethyst pieces for his wife, Queen Charlotte.

Prices were high enough that Russia’s Catherine the Great encouraged exploration of the Ural Mountains for Amethyst. Large finds of high-quality material were discovered, but not until 1799, several years after Catherine’s death.

Amethyst was quite popular in the jewelry of the late 19th and early 20th century. This may have been partially due to the abundance of moderately proceed stones, but the tastes of Art Nouveau movement also aided the popularity. Irises, violets, and pansies were favored in artwork and jewelry creations of the era and lent themselves to co-ordination with the color range of Amethyst.

One of the more unique jewelry styles at the turn of the century also used Amethyst: Suffragette Jewelry. The various groups calling for equality for women coalesced in late 19th Century England, forming the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies. A more outspoken group, led by Emmeline Pankhurst formed in 1903, the Women’s Social and Political Union. The official colors of purple, white, and green were announced in 1908, although they had been in use for some time. The purple represented dignity, with purity and hope being represented by the white and green colors. Amethyst was often used for the purple color on Suffragette Jewelry, and Peridot saw wide use for the green in some pieces. Little evidence exists that Suffragette Jewelry was produced before 1908, when Mappin & Webb, a royal jeweler, introduced a catalog of the pieces.

The movement to get the vote for women in England was largely suspended during World War I, and limited suffrage was granted in 1918, then expanded in 1928. In the United States, an amendment was passed in 1919 to allow women to vote and became fully ratified as law in 1920. However, Suffragette Jewelry never had the presence in the United States that it had in the United Kingdom.

Amethyst has also been one of the favored stones for Mexican Silver jewelry of the 20th Century, and many of the masters of Taxco Silver have used the stone.

Quality and Sources

The beautiful color of Amethyst is created by iron in the mineral and the action of irradiation on the iron. This actually creates a crystal structure that varies from other members of the Quartz family. Cutters must deal carefully with Amethyst, as the color sometimes occurs in "layers" of varying intensity.

Amethyst is a dichroic mineral. This means that it may display two different colors, as light transmitted by the stone occurs in two different visible wavelengths. Both are violet, but one is a reddish violet, while the other is a bluish violet. When heated, Amethyst may turn the color of Citrine and loses its dichroism.

Cloudy Amethyst may become clearer and change color when treated at relatively low temperatures. Higher temperatures can create Citrine like colors in clearer Amethyst. The lower temperatures tend to create darker colors, similar to Smoky Quartz, while the high temperature treated material will often turn a more yellow color.

Ametrine, a gem material that shows both the colors of Amethyst and Citrine, can be created with heat treatment of Amethyst. Ametrine may also occur in nature but is not common. A green quartz has become popular in recent years and is often marketed as Green Amethyst. This is considered a misnomer by many in the gem field, who prefer the proper name for the material, Prasiolite.

Synthetic Amethyst is produced by the irradiation on clear synthetic Quartz. The material normally imitates the colors of the finest Amethyst and is very hard to separate from genuine high-quality Amethyst.

Amethyst is found abundantly in many Brazilian mines, and in neighboring Uruguay. India, Madagascar, and Zambia are also large producers. Russia still produces fine quality Amethyst. It is also found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Amethyst may form in the pockets of geodes, and of geode-like cavities in the Earth. Pockets of over 5000 cubic feet have been found, lined with Amethyst. The largest known Amethyst lined geode, the Empress of Uruguay, is on display in Australia. It was recently vandalized, with several golf ball size clusters removed. The piece is approximately 11 feet long and weighs about 2 ½ tons, and has surprisingly high-quality crystals.

Specimens weighing over 200 kilograms have been recovered, although 700 carats is considered quite large for gem-grade rough, perhaps the size of a fist. Specimens from North Carolina have weighed in at 165 pounds.

Amethyst Today

Amethyst is a popular and plentiful gem material. As new finds become available, exciting new pieces will become available on the market. However, by its own history, Amethyst has proved it is worthy of royal treatment.

© 2012 ruby lane

Comments

Andrea Marshall on May 30, 2012:

What a thorough and interesting article! Very well done!

Nancy Yager from Hamburg, New York on May 01, 2012:

I too love amethyst. Great pictures in your hub. My next adventure is to go digging for amethysts. There is an Amethyst mine in Georgia!

ayliss08 from Guangzhou, Guangdong, China on February 10, 2012:

Interesting and informative hub! Thanks for sharing the knowledge of amethyst. I like the beautiful and stunning amethyst. Actually, I have a collection of amethyst jewelry in my wardrobe, and I often wear them to complement my overal look. Voted up, and Cheers!

Laura is a technical writer. She enjoys playing the piano, traveling, fine art, and making jewelry.

How to Keep Costume Jewelry From Tarnishing

Many people want to wear jewelry, but can’t see spending the prices for “the good stuff”—real gold and silver. But dime-store-quality jewelry will leave green or black marks on your skin after a short honeymoon. The rate at which things tarnish will vary depending on your body chemistry: how acidic or basic it is and how much you sweat.

To prevent tarnishing on this kind of cheap jewelry, you can either coat the parts of the jewelry that are next to the skin with clear, chip-proof nail polish, spot-paint the piece with clear enamel paint, or spray the whole piece with clear spray paint, as I explain in detail below.

Two Cautions

1. These tricks are not likely to work with pieces that mix metal with string, beads, and jewels. They may even permanently ruin your piece. For complicated pieces that incorporate stones or unusual types of metal, I have no good advice for you.
2. If you have an heirloom piece of jewelry or an expensive piece, do NOT follow the procedure I’m giving you here! Instead, take your piece to a professional jeweler at a reputable store and ask them to restore it for you. Those of you who watch Antiques Roadshow on TV will already be aware that any attempts at restoring an old piece if it's truly valuable and not just a nostalgic item, will ruin its value for collectors.

Tarnish (Oxidation) in Action

Here is an example of what copper looks like at various stages of oxidation (tarnishing). The change in color is called a "patina" by artists. Note that the newest penny appears at about 8 o'clock, whereas the oldest most-tarnished penny appears at about 7 o'clock on the circle (as if the circle represented a clock).

1. Using Nail Polish

For example, I got a pure copper bracelet at an art show and knew that it would soon look like a copper penny—which I liked, but I knew it would also leave marks on my wrist. My solution was to use clear, hard-topcoat nail polish on the inside of the bracelet only. I put two coats of nail polish on, because I wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed any spots or that it would wear off too quickly. I wear this bracelet often and haven’t had a “green” wrist since then. It’s gradually aging gracefully on the outside.

2. Clear Spray Paint

Another solution to this would have been better if I had wanted the bracelet to remain shining like a new penny. I would have used a piece of string to suspend the bracelet inside a cardboard box "spray booth" and spray-painted the whole thing with clear paint, working outdoors on a calm, warm day, and following all precautions and directions on the paint can. After the bracelet had dried, I would have flipped it over and tied the other end with the string and sprayed the whole bracelet again, turning it as I went along. This would have kept the entire bracelet a shiny copper color until the paint layers wore off.

This method would work similarly for rings, earrings (especially earring posts and hooks), and necklaces made out of copper, bronze, brass, or inexpensive metal coated with a thin layer of gold or silver.

3. Remove Tarnish and Then Use Spray Lacquer or Nail Polish

Furthermore, you can take a simple but tarnished piece, polish it, and then apply nail polish or spray lacquer paint and it will look like new. Keep a close eye out at garage sales: most people will sell “old” tarnished jewelry, not realizing that they can polish it and it will look like new again—and stay looking new if it’s coated with nail polish or clear spray lacquer. You can afford to be more adventuresome with garage-sale jewelry because you can buy a piece similar to the one that you want to rejuvenate, try the process out on the garage-sale piece, then if the results are acceptable you can try it with your own piece of jewelry. Krylon is one good option for clear-coating cheap jewelry; just apply a very light coat.

A note about stones: don’t clear-coat pieces with gemstones in them, or if you do, cover the gemstone so that it doesn’t get coated. The results with gemstones, beads, and string are generally not good.

For More Information About Removing Tarnish and Cleaning Jewelry:

• How to Clean Stainless Steel Chain Mail (Chainmail)
  Stainless steel chain mail will eventually get dirty, if not grungy, and lose its sparkle due to numerous scratches. Luckily, there are many ways to clean chain mail made of stainless steel.
• How to Clean Silver with Homemade Tarnish Remover: A Video Demonstration
  A video demonstration of how to clean silver with baking soda and aluminum foil: the aluminum reduces the oxidation on the silver, allowing the silver metal to return to its shiny state. Silver tarnish is silver sulfide, and heavily tarnished items m
• How to Clean Copper & Brass Without Chemicals
  No more harsh chemicals to clean away the tarnish from Brass and Copper treasures! A few tasty items from the kitchen and you are on your way to chemical free tarnish removal!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: How do you clean fashion jewelry that has a "silver" chain with "diamonds" in it?

Answer: Given that it is “fashion” jewelry, the silver and diamonds may not be real. I recommend using a cotton swab and placing a tiny dot of salt-vinegar water on an inconspicuous spot, such as near the clasp of a necklace or back of a pendant. If the metal comes clean with a moment of gentle rubbing with the swab, then this method will probably work. Never use this method on fine or precious, sentimental jewelry without performing this test. If you have any doubts, seek the advice of a jeweler regarding your specific piece of jewelry.

Question: Wouldn’t lacquer irritate the skin?

Answer: The lacquer does not irritate my skin, but everyone is unique. I recommend testing this by costing a small piece of jewelry or a small part of a larger piece and trying it to see it your skin reacts. Thanks for the excellent question!

© 2012 Laura Schneider

Comments

@INFECTA on July 07, 2017:

Thank you so much, this works ideal for me. God bless

Hadie L. on March 02, 2017:

Spray TARNISH-ME-NOT !! It's a hypoallergenic clear coating that prevents tarnish, discoloration, AND allergic reactions! I send out thousands of pieces of sterling silver a day to my customers and EVERY single one is coated with Tarnish-Me-Not :) the formula is some kind of patented biotechnology that went through yearss of testing.

Steph on December 03, 2016:

I used to use this method (along with a bunch of other home remedies) but I found a product that is actually MADE for this purpose. It's called Tarnish-Me-Not and you can use it on literally any type of jewelry to prevent tarnish or allergic reactions. You should try them out!

fairykat on May 04, 2016:

Yea, Laura, aren't you fabulous! After looking at the first dozen results for my search request on "How To Keep Silver Beads From Tarnishing", and realizing that all but one really did not answer this question (the only one was a company called Ever Brite Coatings~ 1 oz. bottle=$12.95... yeah, no thanks), and I was saying to myself: Can't I just use clear nail polish or clear spray paint (both of which I Already own!), I saw Your listing And Voila!! (Was that the longest sentence Ever written?!) Anyway, Thank You for confirming what I thought might work. I will test it out on a few silver plated "flower" beads, that are too cute... until they turn a kind of dirty blackish color! Right? I'll do my best to remember to do an update on my success (I believe in Positive Thinking!). And I will be checking out more of your blog. When I went to register, it said that My name was already taken, and I thought: How Rude! HA, turns out It Was ME! I didn't even remember that I had registered... just had to reset my password, which is... HA, I'm not telling! Honestly, the Fibrofog that comes along with Fibromyalgia is So Annoying, really Gets On My Nerves! Anyway, Thanks Again. Blessings & Purrs~

Summer LaSalle from USA on June 01, 2015:

Whenever I buy Stella and Dot, I store them in plastic bags, which keeps them from tarnishing. I am 'that person' where if I wear cheap jewelry, I turn green- deep green! This is a very informative hub, voted up and useful!

FlourishAnyway from USA on March 13, 2014:

Good options for not telling the world you're wearing inexpensive costume jewelry. Voted up +++ and pinning.

Laura Schneider (author) from Minnesota, USA on January 01, 2014:

Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

vipin on December 31, 2013:

I must say that overall I am really impressed with this blog.It is easy to see that you are impassioned about your writing.

Laura Schneider (author) from Minnesota, USA on June 09, 2013:

I think so, too! Thanks for commenting

megha-agrawal from Pune on June 08, 2013:

Nail polish appears quite useful and simple.

Laura Schneider (author) from Minnesota, USA on April 16, 2013:

Wow! Thanks for all of the great ideas, KJ!

Let me know how well mail polish or spray works, too!

Cheers!

kjforce from Florida on April 15, 2013:

Laura Schneider...I am allergic to some metals..and have used moleskin cut and glued to the inside of the bracelet...another idea I have done..I made a felt bracelet from olive green felt ( any colour of your choice) added a snap button/or Velcro strip......I can wear one bracelet or multiples at a time..use the base bracelet to compliment the others...I will try your clear spray idea also...thanks for the share....

sumonislam943 on December 05, 2012:

costume jewellery Costume jewelry is often made of inexpensive or base

metals that corrode quickly. As a result, they are prone to reacting with

your body’s oils or sweat to produce an unpleasant odor. Some people are

naturally more apt to pick up on the scent than others, but everyone should

notice an improvement with regular use of a jewelry cleaner designated for the

metal in the jewelry. If that doesn’t work, give this simple trick a try:

(Thanks You)

gayle rush on April 30, 2012:

thanks for the nail polish tip. it was just exactly what i was looking for. gayle

Laura Schneider (author) from Minnesota, USA on February 02, 2012:

Thanks, Red Elf!

RedElf from Canada on January 31, 2012:

I have used the clear nail polish trick for years on the underside of jewelry, and it works well. I have a lovely carved copper cuff bracelet from my mother that I regularly coat the back of to keep from turning green. Nicely done.

David Bernstein has been an online writer for more than 8 years. He particularly enjoys reviewing and writing about watches.

The Casio G-Shock brand is famous all over the world and has produced tough, high-tech, and stylish watches for over thirty-five years. In addition, many of its watches are affordable, with some starting as low as $89. They are worn by a wide variety of well-known celebrities, from musicians and actors to sports stars and royalty.

G Shock's other brands, Baby-G and G-Shock Mini, are also popular. Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, and Rihanna have all been seen wearing them.

Since I've been looking into purchasing one, I thought I would share what I've learned with you. Here are the eight best G-Shock watches that I've come across.

My Favorites

In the picture above, you can see Prince Harry, fifth in the line to the British throne, wearing his G-Shock watch. Prince Harry is a big fan of watches in general, but I think this looks better than his Rolex (which cost about 100 times as much!)

In the picture below, you can see Usher and Justin Bieber pose with their G-Shocks. Usher is wearing the DW-6900CS-7ER model, and Bieber is showing off his GLX-5600-4ER.

Other celebrities that like G-Shock include Dr. Dre, LMFAO, Eminem, Tom Cruise, Vin Diesel, Austin Mahone, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Pharrell Williams, Wiz Khalifa, Brad Pitt, and Travis McCoy. Not a bad endorsement at all!

1. The Aviation Range: GW3500B-1A

There are currently five different watches in this range. G-Shock boasts that they can function properly even at the 12Gs that are felt in an air race (hence the title of the collection). The watch is also resistant to drops, water, ice, hammers, pistons, and vibrations.

These watches retail between $260 and $360 (or £160 for UK residents) but I've found them for under $240, including postage. My favorite watch is GW3500B-1A which is slightly different from its counterparts since it weighs less (82g instead of 146g), and is the only digital and analogue watch in the range. It can also keep track of the time in nearly fifty different cities around the globe.

Other features include:

• Solar power (so you don't need to change the battery)
• Water resistant to 200m
• 1/100^th second stopwatch
• LED light

It is not bad-looking either!

2. Classic XL White: GA110C-7A

This watch (GA110C-7A) stands out from the others in the collection range. It can time accurately to within 1/1000th second and indicate speed as well.

Some other features include:

• Magnetic resistance
• LED light
• Countdown timer
• Calendar

It's also 4mm bigger than the usual watches. I think it looks really great in white, as does its counterpart in black (GA110C-1A). They both retail for $120. However, I was able to find it in the UK for £60 for the black watch and about $100 in the US.

3. Classic Red: G7900A-4

This G7900A-4 watch in eye-catching red has many features including low temperature resistance, tide and moon graphs, and other flashy features. It also only weighs two ounces! Additionally, it's available in black (G7900-1) and in white (G7900A-7). All the watches retail at $99.

If you're willing to look, however, they can be found in some places for considerably less than this cost however. I am proud to own the yellow version of this watch and can testify to the fact that it is very comfortable and easily read. Friends, family, and colleagues also never fail to compliment it.

I would really recommend this watch since it looks great, has fantastic features, and is relatively inexpensive.

4. Classic White: DW6900FS-8

This is at the cheapest end of the G-Shock spectrum, but do not let the price deter you as it still has many features, including 200m water resistance, various alarms and other gadgets.

This is the watch that Justin Bieber has been seen wearing on multiple occasions. Even though it seems to be popular on the wrists of various pop stars aside from Beiber (including Dr. Dre and Eminem to name a few) it can be found for just $78 on Amazon in the US or £82 in the UK.

Looking like a pop star doesn't have to break the bank! This was the first Casio G-Shock I owned, and in my opinion it is the iconic model of this brand. It is very light (it hardly feels like I am wearing a watch at all, in contrast to my other stainless steel clunky bracelet watches), and it fits very comfortably.

I like the light feature which means I can use it in the middle of the night!

5. Master of G Range: GF8250-9

Ranging from $99 to $450, the Master of G Range is comprised of nine different watches which are even tougher than the others!

My favourite is the Tough Solar Yellow (GF8250-9) which retails at $450 (trust me to pick the most expensive one!). It can do more than any other watch in the brand.

Its features include:

• Tracking time in 31 time zones
• Moon data
• 4 alarms
• 1/100^th second stopwatch
• 200m water resistant
• Entirely shock resistant

I found it at Sky Watch Dealers for £255 including postage or $328.90 on Amazon, although there was a secondhand one for just $70 there as well.

6. Classic: 6900 Sneaker Culture

This new set of extra large classic watches are very cool and I would argue that they're even better than the last, with a whole host of additional features, including an impressive anti-magnetic structure and a fully pre-programmed calendar until the end of the century; and trust me you'll want to wear it until then!

It comes in a variety of colours that are 'inspired by sneaker fashions.' The case itself is huge, 55mm x 52mm, so it truly is a fashion statement. It retails with Casio for $130, and you will struggle to find a lower price on the internet. Since Casio is now sold out of many of these watches, your best bet to find them might be on Ebay or Amazon.

I love the boldness and display of this watch, particularly the size.

7. Classic: G6900KG-3CR

This watch is my personal favourite. It looks both cool and classy and would go with shorts and a t-shirt or more formal attire. The colour, olive green, looks fantastic. It is G Shock's first military-style solar power watch. Some of its features include:

• Tide and moon graph
• 200m water resistance
• Multiple alarms
• Compatibilities to world time zones

Its retail price is only $120 and it can be found on eBay for just £65! The display of this watch is really cool and I love the shape.

8. Master of G: G9300er-5

G Shock has added to the Master of G range, which now comprises of 11 different watches in 4 different styles (Frogman, Riseman, Gulfman and Mudman). The one seen here is the G9300er-5, part of the Mudman Collection.

It boasts a thermometer, a digital compass, and 200m water resistance. It can be bought for approximately £160-£180 on a variety of websites. This watch is reminiscent of the older G shock watches and certainly deserves a spot in the top eight because of its wide range of features.

G Shock Living Up to Its Claims: The Ice Test!

Comments

Jay Dunning on March 25, 2017:

I have a Casio calculator watch that I have had for years. I used to wear a genuine Cartier Santos steel and gold watch but the Casio is much more serviceable and has a light for in darkness!

Jack blayford on July 24, 2015:

I have the waveceptor AWG-M100A-1AER and I must say it is a fantastic watch my favourite

I am the retired owner of Metal Man, a cash for gold business with previous locations in Indianapolis, IN and Fort Mill, SC.

What Does a 750, 585, or 417 Marking Mean?

Here's the quick answer:

• 750 means 18-karat gold
• 585 means 14-karat gold
• 417 means 10-karat gold

But there's more to know about gold markings on jewelry. These letters and numbers indicate an item's purity. They stand for different varieties of gold, and some varieties are worth more than others.

Isn't your ring or necklace pure gold? If not, how much gold is in it? If your piece is stamped with other markings, then what do they mean? Keep reading to find out.

Your Jewelry Is Not Pure Gold!

Pure gold is illustrious. Yet, it is too soft to be used as jewelry. Not only would it be fragile and prone to damage and breakage, but links and moving parts would wear down quickly.

Therefore, karat gold is mixed (alloyed) with other base metals. Common components of gold alloy include copper, nickel, and zinc, among others. These additional metals impart greater strength and durability to fine gold jewelry.

Are There Other Colors of Gold?

Mixing gold with other metals can change its color. Pure gold is yellow. Yet gold jewelry can be white or silver, red or rose, and green or lime instead.

Can You Guess the Meaning of This Gold Jewelry Marking?

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. The necklace is a yellow gold color and marked with "925". What does it mean?
   • The necklace is vermeil.
   • "925" is an area code in central CA, so it's the mark of a jewelry manufacturer in Walnut Creek.
   • The necklace is 92.5% gold.
   • It's made of gold from Black Hills, SD, so the government sets a minimum sale price of $925 to protect US gold industry.

Answer Key

1. The necklace is vermeil.

Karatage, Fineness, and Purity

As you can guess from the markings on gold jewelry, there is more than one gold variety. I'm referring to the purity only, not the color or style. Different varieties of gold jewelry contain a higher or lower percentage of gold, and there are a few standard varieties.

The purity is expressed in karats or fineness. Pure gold is 24 karats and .999 fine. (It's never 100% pure.) So the various fine gold markings, or stamps, tell you the purity of each jewelry item. More karats (the number before the "K") or a higher number means higher gold content.

So, how exactly does all of this fit together?

Understanding Karats and Karatage

The term, karat, pertains to gold, and so does karatage (confusingly spelled caratage in the UK). In the US, karats are not the same as carats.

A carat is a unit of measurement for gemstones. So most ladies would be thrilled to wear a 1-carat ring (diamond, of course). However, she would sneer if her beau proposed to her with a 1-karat ring, if there were such a thing, because it would be completely worthless.

"I thought our love meant something to you," she would exclaim, tearfully.

Then he would reply, with a quizzical expression, "I must have misunderstood your request, sweetheart."

So, in the interest of saving relationships, it's important to clarify this distinction.

What Gold Jewelry Markings Mean

Okay, back to gold markings. Look at the table below. It displays all common gold jewelry markings, along with their meanings. So for each gold variety, it lists the fineness and karatage markings; any piece of jewelry will only be stamped with one or the other. Then it shows you what percentage of gold each variety of jewelry contains.

Common Gold Markings on Jewelry, and Their Meanings

How Can Two Markings Mean the Same Thing?

The chart shows that both 583 and 585 mean 14-karat gold. You'll see the same issue with 416/417 and 916/917 too. The USA allows gold jewelry to be under karat, slightly. In other words, it can be marked 10K when it's only 9.5 karats. So the higher number marking in these three cases means that it's a higher quality gold, and not under karated.

What About Other Markings?

Well, that covers the meanings of 750, 585, 417, and other gold markings on jewelry.

Most fine gold jewelry is clearly marked or stamped. In which case it will display one of the markings discussed here. Some jewelry is marked with something else, instead of, or in addition to, those mentioned above.

Gold Plated Jewelry Markings

Some other markings mean a jewelry item is not fine karat gold. In that case, it's either plated or filled gold, or it's costume plain old jewelry—not real gold. See my other guide to find out more about the different kinds of gold plated jewelry, including their markings.

Vermeil, pronounced "ver-may," is gold-plated sterling silver. The 925 is a reference to sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver.

Hallmarks and Makers Marks

Some other markings convey details about the jewelry's origin. It may signify who made it, or where it was made, or something similar. In these cases, a logo stands for a manufacturer, and a letter may actually stand for the year of production. Google is your best chance at finding information about these kinds of unusual jewelry markings.

Last Tip for Understanding the Meaning of a Gold Marking

As stated, this article doesn't cover hundreds of other obscure markings that you might find on gold and silver jewelry and other precious metal items. However, we've covered the basics about gold jewelry markings here. So you should be able to look at the stamp on your gold ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings and understand what those letters and numbers mean.

If, for example, your gold necklace is marked as 585 or 14K, you know that means 14 Karat gold. Sometimes, that mark may be followed by other letters and numbers. However, those won't have any bearing on the actual gold content, and their meaning is simply a matter of curiosity. The item's purity has already been established by the first marking.

Questions & Answers

Question: What does "au 750" mean when stamped on jewelry?

Answer: Au is the symbol for gold on the periodic table, and 750 means the jewelry is 18 karat gold. So this stamp is just another way of indicating that the jewelry is 18K gold.

Question: I have a Cartier love bracelet I got used. It has a slightly tarnished look to it but has a 750 stamp. Is it silver plated? Do I have to worry about it turning my wrist green?

Answer: A 750 mark on jewelry means 18K gold. So it wouldn't be silver plated and could be white gold, but it shouldn't be tarnished either.

Question: I have a gold chain. The only marking on it is "JH." What does that mean?

Answer: Most likely, the absence of an actual gold markings means that it simply isn't gold.

Question: Does a 975 stamp mean gold or silver?

Answer: I can only guess that a "975" marking means a the item is a higher grade of sterling silver, which is usually marked "925" (92.5% pure silver content).

Question: What does it mean if jewelry is stamped AU750?

Answer: Au is the symbol for gold on the periodic table. 750 means 18K gold. So AU750 just means the piece of jewelry is 18 karat gold.

Question: What does "14k mk" mean, stamped on a ring?

Answer: The 14K portion of this marking means the ring is probably 14 karat gold.

Question: What does a 750 RJ marking mean on jewelry?

Answer: The 750 means the jewelry is 18K, or 18 karat gold.

Question: My bracelet is marked "Italy 750". Is it pure gold?

Answer: No, it's not pure gold; 24K or 999 means pure gold. However, 750 means 18K gold, which is 75% gold and is worth more than both 10K and 14K gold.

Question: I have necklace marked 585, 14k, and Italy. What do these markings mean?

Answer: It couldn't be more clear unless they stamped an entire sentence into the necklace. It is 14 karat gold, at 58.5% purity, from Italy.

Question: What is the value of a ring that weighs about 3 grams and has a "750 Italy" on it?

Answer: The value of the gold ring depends on the current spot price of gold. But the 750 means it is 18 karat gold, which is worth more per gram than 14 karat gold.

Question: My mother received a gold bracelet sixty years ago from her husband to be (my father). They lived in Italy at the time and the bracelet has a marking of 750, 17VI and the word "depositato" on it. What do these markings mean?

Answer: The gold marking that matters is the 750, since it means the jewelry is 18 karat gold, or 75% pure gold.

Question: What does it mean when jewelry is marked U.S. Gold?

Answer: It's probably not real gold, as that is not a valid gold marking.

Question: I have gold pendant have stamp GGI UAE? The inside of the pendant also shows 916. What is the meaning?

Answer: I assume that UAE stands for United Arab Emirates, but the 916 gold jewelry marking means 22K. This higher purity gold is more common in the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Question: I have a ring with 7.5 SD 14K. What does that mean?

Answer: The 7.5 that you see on the ring is probably the ring size. "14K" indicates that it is 14 karat (585) gold.

Question: My ring is stamped 925 THL. What does this mean?

Answer: The 925 portion of the marking indicates sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver.

Question: Is 750 White gold valuable?

Answer: Yes. There is no difference in gold value between 18K white gold or yellow gold. White gold just has more nickel added to it, instead of copper, which makes it white instead of yellow.

Question: I have a beautiful gold bracelet with markings that I believe say G 6935. It may not say that exactly but that’s what it appears to say to me. Any idea what this mark is?

Answer: It probably isn't gold jewelry if there is no gold marking. But if you like it and want to wear it, don't let that fact stop you.

Question: What does 15-4 stamped on jewelry mean?

Answer: This is not a gold jewelry marking.

Question: How can I know if the diamonds on my necklace are real or not? It's just marked "750" on one side and "585 AR" on the other.

Answer: There's no way for anybody to determine if diamonds are real without seeing them.

Question: What is the meaning of NJ21C if it's stamped on jewelry?

Answer: This marking does not indicate whether your jewelry is gold or not, or what kind.

Question: When is 583 ever used?

Answer: I can't remember if I've ever seen a 583 marking on gold jewelry. usually it is marked with either 14K or 585.

Question: What does it mean when a ring is stamped Gold Case?

Answer: If that's the only marking, it tells you that the ring is not gold.

Question: I have a chain stamped with a DGL. What does that mean?

Answer: If that's the only stamp present, the jewelry probably isn't gold. Otherwise it would be marked with one the the abbreviations above.

Question: I found a large gold bracelet marked 417 ASR. Is the design of the bracelet more valuable than its weight in gold?

Answer: I can't answer this without any picture. Whether it's worth more than its weight in gold depends on the price for which you can find a buyer.

Question: My ring has: "WR15", ".625", a sideways anchor, and "T" with a crest. What do these marks mean?

Answer: Oh, these are interesting markings. I can tell you that a "625" marking on gold jewelry means the item is 15K, or 15 karat gold, which was discontinued after 1935.

Question: I have a tennis bracelet marked 750. What does this mean?

Answer: The 750 marking means your tennis bracelet is 18K, or 18 karat gold.

Question: Can I sell 18k gold to a pawn shop?

Answer: Jewelry composed of 18 karat gold is more valuable than 14K or 10K pieces.

Question: If a gold necklace just has "Korea" stamped on it, is it real gold?

Answer: A lot of gold jewelry from Korea is 22K or 22 karat (also shown as 917). I have not seen any other kind of jewelry from Korea, so you might want to have somebody check it.

Question: My necklace says "Ag ltaly 925." What is it?

Answer: "Ag" is the symbol for silver on on the periodic table of elements. "925" indicates sterling silver. So the necklace is sterling silver and was made in Italy.

Question: I have a gold necklace that only has a "ghp" symbol on the clasp. I know it means "good high polish", but I don’t know if it’s 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24k gold. Any idea?

Answer: Good high polish? That's a new one for me. I've never seen that marking. In the majority of cases, any gold-colored jewelry that does not have the at least one purity marking or stamp (as shown above) is not gold.

Question: My bracelet has "RJ 585 14k" on it. What could that mean, is it good?

Answer: The "585" and "14K" portions of the marking both indicate that your gold bracelet is 14 karat gold. The "RJ" potion could mean anything.

Question: How much can I pawn 18kgp jewelry for in the Phillipines (per gram)?

Answer: You can't pawn it for anything, since a KGP marking on gold jewelry means that it is gold plated.

Question: I have a chain that just has the number "75" stamped on it. Does this mean it's not gold?

Answer: Well, if it said "750", you could hope it was 18K or 18 karat gold. Without the "0," it does not indicate gold.

Question: What does "700" stamped on the inside of a ring mean? Then, spaced farther down the side of the ring, there is an "S" stamp.

Answer: I have never seen a "700" marking on gold or silver. The ring could be a type of steel.

Question: My chain says 14K with GS. What does GS mean?

Answer: GS may be somebody's initials or something specific to the maker. The "14K" marking obviously means that the piece is 14 karat gold jewelry.

Question: What is the best gold carat for strength?

Answer: Gold is a weak metal and bends easily. So the strongest gold jewelry would be the lowest purity, like 8KT gold. But it doesn't look much like gold. 14K gold is the most common as it balances purity (enough to show a nice yellow glow) with durability.

Question: I have YL Stamped on the inside of my 10-karat gold ring. What does it mean?

Answer: That marking has nothing to do with whether your jewelry is or is not gold.

Question: I read somewhere that the 585 marking on gold means it’s forged and not real gold at all. What’s your opinion on this? I saw a diamond ring at a pawn shop I wanted to buy and when I saw the 585 marking and looked it up I was skeptical even though the pawn shop is reputable and stand by it being the real deal.

Answer: Not sure where you read that. 585 simply means 14K gold. It is 585 gold parts per 1000 parts of the alloy. This gold jewelry marking does not indicate how the ring was crafted.

Question: What is the value of a bracelet with the following markings: "25241 750"?

Answer: The 750 portion of that marking may mean 18K, or 18 karat gold. The value depends on the current market price of gold.

Question: What is a "03" or "08" marking on a gold bracelet?

Answer: That is not a gold jewelry marking.

Question: What does the stamp “ZRW14K” mean on jewelry?

Answer: The "14K" portion probably indicates that your piece of jewelry is 14 karat gold. The rest of the marking has nothing to do with that fact.

Question: I see "14V" on my jewelry. What does the "V" stand for?

Answer: "V" is not a gold jewelry marking.

Question: What is the meaning of "Au 730 13"?

Answer: "Au" is the symbol for gold on the periodic table and is used in the marking "Au750". The "750" specifies that a piece of jewelry is 18 karat gold. As for 730, maybe it's actually 750 that you see.

Question: My Figaro necklace just has the word “Italy” stamp on both the lobster claw and clasp. It passed the magnet test. Is it real? No other stamp on it.

Answer: The piece may be gold. I have purchased gold jewelry that was only marked with an Italy stamp. However, there's no way to know for sure, from here, if your piece is gold.

Question: What does a stamp that says "T3" mean on jewelry?

Answer: A T3 jewelry marking means that it is stainless steel.

Question: I own a brooch inherited from my grandmother. It has two markings: one is marked C followed by star sign and numbers 875 or 873. Other marking on the same brooch is 3PC2. Can you tell me what those markings mean?

Answer: If it actually says "575" instead of "875", then that means it's 14K gold.

Question: I have a piece of gold jewelry stamped "au750". What might the value be?

Answer: The value of your gold jewelry depends on the current market price for gold, but the AU750 stamp means the item is 18K, or 18 karat gold.

Question: I have a clasp on a necklace (pearl) marked 14"/20 and followed by an unusual script L (I think). I know 14/20 is gold-filled. What about the "L" mark?

Answer: Are you saying 14"/20 means gold-filled? Gold-filled jewelry is usually marked with 1/20 and then perhaps a 14K or 18K to show what purity of gold it is covered with. The "L" marking could mean anything.

Question: What does "tps 14k" stand for ?

Answer: The 14K marking on your gold means 14 karat gold.

Question: What does the marking, PA, on a gold chain denote?

Answer: "PA" is not a gold jewelry marking.

© 2011 Stephen

Did This Article Help You? Comment Below. Do You Still Have Questions? Ask Them Below. Thanks!

Stephen (author) on October 24, 2021:

As you can read above, the 14kt indicates 14 karat gold.

Stephen (author) on October 24, 2021:

You've not nearly provided me with enough details to answer this question. What is the jewelry piece? What color/s?

My best guess is that it contains some element of 14K gold and other lements of 18K gold. For instance, the band could be 14K, but the ornament on the ring could be 18K gold, which would be a more brilliant color.

Stephen (author) on October 24, 2021:

It probably just means gold color. Authentic fine gold jewelry almost always carries a purity mark. It never just says "gold".

Stephen (author) on October 24, 2021:

The marking, "750", indicates 18K gold. I can't see the piece to judge whether the marking is accurate, but this is its meaning.

Christopher.Sally on August 16, 2020:

hodges 5717 ave

Jerry Jackson on August 15, 2020:

My necklace chain says 417 ALI I know 417 is 10kt gold, but any ideas on the ALI?

Marc on August 10, 2020:

What does SG UAE mean on a pendant?

Leon on August 10, 2020:

What does the mark 1558 on a ring mean

Zai on August 07, 2020:

What is the meaning of GA 750 in Gold Isnt real ?

Brittany on July 28, 2020:

mine says 48o

Marie on July 28, 2020:

What is 226 mark in saudi gold?

Danny luttrull on July 22, 2020:

I found a pendant are a piece to a necklace it is round looks like gold and has a lady in the middle of it looks silver with what looks like diamond sets around out side of it has417m on back of it hoping you could help me out

jacoba on July 06, 2020:

I have a chain,silver colour but marked 750 and plated.So is it gold or silver please

Debbie on June 15, 2020:

What does the markings FL mean on jewellery

Carlo on June 11, 2020:

My necklace mark is 416 R..is 10k?i buy in saudi arabia.

hahndaniel32@yahoo.com on May 28, 2020:

If it says 1/20 of 14k or 10k its plated over silver correct? Tney wouldnt plate itwithgold over just metal

Mary ann Mogami on May 16, 2020:

What the meaning Technigold 14k?

Liz on April 12, 2020:

Can i send a pic of my ring

Akeredolu Damilola on April 04, 2020:

My chain is mark with italy 750 is it a gold

Micky on March 15, 2020:

I have a Geneva swiss watch with 690 and the letter F any ideas? It looks like a rose gold color?

Paula on February 22, 2020:

I have a diamond single diamond stud ear ring with markings on it O and a ball in the center then a W then what looks like a round globe. Three marks also it is stamped 925. Any ideas what it is?

Marilyn Pedrigal on February 21, 2020:

hi 585 CV mean real gold ring

Peter on February 18, 2020:

My necklace have a 750 AMP stamp on it, is it gold ?

George on February 11, 2020:

What’s the number 8 stamped on inside of what looks like a gold ring mean?

Real or fake?

I done several home test and it passed every home test so far?

Mary grace Uy on February 02, 2020:

I have earring and there's a symbol 18kGP can I pawn it?

marny12312343@gmail.com on January 31, 2020:

I have white gold ring the code is 750 this is real white gold

And god for pwans?? please reply

Cornel on January 16, 2020:

Dgl stamped necklace gold . What does dgl stand for. ? And 700 on the other side

Laura Lofaro on January 07, 2020:

Hello. I have a gold ring marked with 14k then elsewhere the number 999. Dies this mean it's gold over silver?

Thanks.

Denise H on December 30, 2019:

What does 573 mean on a gold plate i have

MAry weiler on December 17, 2019:

I have a chain is marked 14\20 wondering what that means and I can’t find the information anywhere

Susan on December 15, 2019:

Hello what does Medallion mean stamped on a gold ring?

Thank you for any help.

Andrewrose88 on November 28, 2019:

I have a ring that has "373or878 followed by 916 then artcarved " engraved inside the band what does it mean thank you

briantwyman623 on November 25, 2019:

I have a braclet with 14kt tcp on it what does that mean

PHYLLIS MCWILSON on November 21, 2019:

I HAVE A BRACLET WITH SOME AGE MARKED 8VI 750 MAR BREVET. ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT IT MEANS?

Robert Rahe on November 18, 2019:

On my 14 kt gold chain is a emblem of some kind, it looks like a ring w/ a diamond shape, in a square

Jesse Rudman on November 15, 2019:

Hello, hoping you can help me with the meaning of an engraved 477F on the back of a watch dial? Not sure if the following info helps but hoping so: watches bezel and back are solid 18KT white gold and Marked BELARIS C&L INC established 1921. The band is white Gold filled. Thank you Jesse.

Sherihance@aol.com on November 07, 2019:

What does KFS18K signify when it it stamped on my gol necklace?

Mel Ann blas cezar on November 03, 2019:

Can an au750 Tiffany can be pawn

Art on October 26, 2019:

I have a bull gold pendant that looks old or vintage. It's stamped 434 or 484 with a letter B under the stamps. It has another stamp but I cannot make out what it is. Thanks!

Blake on October 24, 2019:

Mine says 417

what does PGDA mean

John on October 23, 2019:

I have a few earings that the piece that goes on the post is marked 750. Can the earing be 18k gold

Derek on October 21, 2019:

I have a gold tennis chain marked bm and a gold skull pendant marked gns do you know what this means

Sandra Dodd on October 13, 2019:

What does 10k op mean?

Carrie on October 09, 2019:

I have a ring (gold) stamped GSX 14k. What does GSX mean?

joemar on September 25, 2019:

how can i figure out if the gold is japan gold or saudi gold

jacob on September 10, 2019:

is there a 925 stamp on gold

lewis on August 31, 2019:

i have a silver looking rope chain that says 18 kct what does that meam

Maria gonzalez on August 20, 2019:

Very helpful

Angel on August 14, 2019:

What does 316L mean stamped on a necklace

valdezjr@yahoo.com on August 09, 2019:

I have a gold mens ring with the marking GN, believe there were oyhe markings like a & ut this is all I cold make out

Angela on August 04, 2019:

I have a ring that is stamped with the number "12" and that's it. Is it 12 KT gold. Is is white in color.

Stormy Galindo-Murphy on July 28, 2019:

i recently bought a gold bracelet and it has c11 and 482 stamped on it could you tell me what it mean

Atasha on July 27, 2019:

I buy saudi gold set my concern is the ring.... i cannot see karat stamp its possible not true gold

Jack on July 21, 2019:

What does "BaG 750" mean when stamped on jewelry?

Darlene on July 20, 2019:

I have a ring marked 18k thp what does thp mean?

Robid0000 on July 15, 2019:

what does it mean if its stammped 14k but also 750 thought that was 18k

stephan on July 07, 2019:

I got my inheritance from my grand ma ... her jewelry and wedding ring was given to me i sold the wedding ring only the gold part i broke off the diamond and im looking for somone to buy it from me please email adress stephanayla3612gmail.com please let me know i also have 1893 queen victoria gold coing 18krt

Dorito on June 29, 2019:

What does it mean if my ring has sgs 362 on it

Sonia on June 27, 2019:

How much is made on 1 gram of gold ,mean making charge

Jayezappz on June 14, 2019:

I have an old Salt shaker the bottom stamp has h7 417 on it and there are some other stamps on it first is a shield with WD/JD then a crown then a lion can you please tell me what it all means?

Karin on May 31, 2019:

Just finished reading your article and found it very helpful. Thank you!

I do have a question that, perhaps, you could clarify for me:

A gold filigree bracelet has the number 835 inside the clasp. It has designs with two shades of yellow and possibly originated in Mexico.

Might this be all gold or gold-plated on silver?

Unfortunately, I don't live within driving distance of your location, otherwise I would bring it in. Thanks again.

Steven on May 30, 2019:

I have a .999 Chow Sang Sang charm. Very heavy. Is this really .999 Gold?

Mboz1963 on May 04, 2019:

I have a 14k white gold lady elgin. Stamped cased and timed at elgin international watch co. 14k. On inside back cover. 14k and trademark on outside. My question is about a number 344 on the top cover , side . What does that stand for. There is no other serial number to be found which makes me guess it may have been made in the 30's.

Thks

Webb on April 22, 2019:

Auratin 15 necklace with a cross charm 4k on back

Jessy on April 04, 2019:

I have a trophy stamped GGM 750 u ?

What does it mean ?

MDF on March 25, 2019:

What does TAIF 750 means on my necklace?

Joanna Flynn on March 22, 2019:

I found a silver ring with the Stamp ADI-310k

I can not find anyting on the number paert of the stamp but the ADI i found it stands for (Amsterdam Diamond ) is the name of the Danish company from where the sterling silver originated what does the 310k stand for?

Rosalie C. Jose on March 19, 2019:

i have a watch brand is chopard and 928 what does it mean? thnks

Ryan on March 08, 2019:

What does made in Italy mean on stamped 10k diamond cut crab link? Does it mean it’s plated or something? Looks real but the made in Italy makes me think of silver. And would 1500$ for a 48g necklace be a good deal to possibly make off in the future?

Ghimed on February 21, 2019:

Every 18k can be pawnable??

John on February 18, 2019:

What does 777 mean ? Many thanks.

Rick on February 14, 2019:

I have a gold tennis bracelet and the only marking on it is the letter "B" on the inside of the clasp. Can anyone tell me what that means?

Lee on February 10, 2019:

I have a bangle bracelet with the marking A.A.G.1/10. Its an antique and it may have come from Europe. What does it mean,

richie on January 24, 2019:

WHAT DOES LF STAMP MEAN ON MY RING

carmen on January 19, 2019:

Stone was tested it is a high end real diamond ring. So the question is what does the 730 stand for engraved in the white metal band . Tested with jewelry solutions not silver not gold and not platinum. loved to know Thanks

Joseph on January 07, 2019:

I have a gold chain written mas what does it mean???

paul on December 30, 2018:

I have a necklace with a tag marked with the roman numeral III, what does it mean?

Stephen (author) on December 10, 2018:

Most jewelry does not have a maker mark--just a purity marking or "gold stamp".

Stephen (author) on December 10, 2018:

"41" may be part of "417" which confirms the 10K gold marking on the first side.

Shane d on December 04, 2018:

I have a necklace with Ali on one side and 41 on the other and on the lobster claw says 10k what does all this mean

Carol Quintana on October 16, 2018:

Way would a quality bracelet marked 750 have No maker mark. I just was given a huge gold bracelet and it just does not believievable. if it is 18k it is at least $20,000 or more help

Ryan on October 02, 2018:

D&K is the only marking on my silver colored ring .

Erel on September 21, 2018:

750 on watch means?

lemueldilagleal28@gmail.com on September 11, 2018:

Thank you very much, so now I understand the meaning of gold and its helpfull for me, because I'm a collector of damage jewelry and old coins. Again thank you. God bless

Mapogos on August 31, 2018:

I have a necklace and bracelet with 18k markings next to a chinese symbol.im not sure if its really chinese symbol tho. It looks like it. I wonder what that symbol means? Or it stands for which country it is made,?

Tracey on August 26, 2018:

I have a tennis bracelett an it has 70 stamped inside where the clasp inserts into the other part of the clasp what does the 70 mean is it real

Cindy on August 19, 2018:

I have diamond and it has mark 585 is it real??

kaye on August 09, 2018:

ii saw a yellowish spoon mark no 700 what does it mean?

Emil on August 06, 2018:

I saw an old ring feom my fathers car. And it say it ia JF 750. WHAT IS JF MEANS?

Dan'l Le Sage on August 04, 2018:

I have a pendant that was advertised to be 925 Sterling plated over brass . However when scrutinized from the back it is stamped AU and then the symbol similar to the ' Copyright C ' . Could it be that it really is white gold , not Sterling plated brass ?

mark on July 24, 2018:

mary , 14k and 585 mean the same thing. its 14k, they mention it twice

Marie on July 23, 2018:

I have a braclet that says 14k and 585 what does that mean

Margaret on June 29, 2018:

does anyone know the meaning of SG on gold wire bracelet

Stephen (author) on June 20, 2018:

The 10K marking/stamp means your ring is ten-karat gold. The A87 could be anything.

Stephen (author) on June 20, 2018:

You're welcome Marshall. If you're figured out the gold markings on your jewelry, the article has accomplished its purpose.

Marshall on June 14, 2018:

Yes the article did help I do appreciate him taking his time out to turn on and actually helped a lot of us out and trying to figure out what we actually have. So thank you very much.

Diana on June 08, 2018:

I have a ring 585 6 what does it mean?

Leona R Callahan on June 06, 2018:

I have a gold ring it is 10K, then thesmall symbol with I think a letter A inside followed by A87, what does it mean?

Bev Smith on June 04, 2018:

I have a gold chain with a small cross. There is a small heart at the clasp with 18KBA (that B could possibly be an 8) on it. What does that mean?

lorence on May 31, 2018:

i found ring 585 in a sea in croatia

My expertise in gemology came together with my passion for reusing and recycling as the recession hit. After getting my graduate gemologist diploma from GIA in an ill-fated attempt to change careers, I couldn’t get a job in the diamond industry, so I decided to sell jewelry at street fairs and home parties.

I found it was cheaper to buy used items, euphemistically called “state pieces," rather than head to the downtown jewelry district in LA and buy wholesale on a small scale. Many of these lovely, barely worn pieces were being sold by jilted lovers, angry ex-spouses, and sad folks trying to make the rent.

Something that is held dear, and contains metal and crystal, picks up the energy of the person who holds it. When the intention of the owner changes, so does the energy held by the piece. Given the nature of time and space, sometimes the piece holds the future intention as well as the present. Though a change in ownership will change the energy, that change has to occur before the energy changes. And the pieces are not going to attract new owners in a positive way if they are oozing negative energy.

Over the course of several months, I developed a way to cleanse the items of all energy besides the innate energy of the metal and gemstones. I would like to share that method with you. This method combines modalities from different traditions. It developed over time, and I saw it working in the way people were attracted to the various items in my inventory.

Materials

• Sage
• Rose Water
• Sea Salt
• Sunlight

Steps

1. Wash the item.
2. Smudge.
3. Set it in sunlight on a bed of sea salt for three days.
4. Rinse in rose water and return to sea salt.
5. Set in sunlight for another three days.
6. Wear it for a day.

In normal circumstances, when you buy a used piece and wear it, your energy will overpower the previous energy. So you don’t need to cleanse every piece you buy. The issue becomes that lovely diamond-encrusted ring from your ex or the chain your dysfunctional sister gave you for your birthday. In the first instance, the ring held great importance, and now every time you see it you think of the jerk who cheated on you. But you like the design and the stones. In the second instance, though the chain is new, it holds the baggage of your family relationship.

So the formula I am about to reveal is for items you own and feel uncomfortable with. If you cleanse them, and some time later start to feel negative emotions surrounding them, you need to do the cleanse again. It is possible to re-imbue the items with the energy of your emotional baggage if that is your focus when wearing them.

In the case of the ring, which is beautiful and made of metal and stones which are naturally positive but associated with intense emotional pain, the metal and stones can actually absorb some of your pain, which means wearing it and repeating the cleanse on a regular basis can accelerate your healing from the hurt.

Steps to Cleanse Jewelry

Clean It

Take the piece and clean it with traditional jewelry cleaner. If it is a diamond ring of great value, take it to a jeweler to clean in their ultrasonic machine and have them check the diamonds and tighten any which are loose. If not, get the sort of cleaner which comes with a little brush and scrub every little corner. Now there is nothing clinging to the piece except energy and emotion. The metal and the stones are imbued with the positive energy of mother earth, and no doubt you are acquainted with all the theories of the various affects of gemstones and metals. But for these to be effective you need to clear out the emotional energies you are putting on them. Now that the pieces are physically clean, let’s get to work making them energetically clean.

Smudge

To start clearing the energy of your pieces, you need to smudge them with sage. You can get a bundle of sage from any sort of new age book store, botanica, or on the internet. You need to suspend the jewelry in the smoke so every crevice is touched by it. Holding the item in your hand, which gives you the added benefit of having your hand smudged while it is in contact with the jewelry, also clears the pathway through which you are transmitting the energy. Next time your thoughts pull energy from the universe that can be transmitted to the jewelry, the pathway that transports it will have to be re-built.

Keep It in Sunlight for Three Days

With the residue of the sage smoke on it, lay the piece on a bed of sea salt and place it in the sun for three days.

Rose Water Rinse

When the three days are finished, rinse the piece in rose water. You can put rose water in a little cup and drop in the jewelry, then swish it around a bit.

More Sunlight

Still dripping with rose water, place the jewelry back onto the sea salt and into the sunlight for another three days.

Wear It

At the conclusion of the second three days, take the jewelry off of the bed of sea salt and put it on. Don’t put it in your jewelry box first, no, as soon as you remove it from the sea salt put it on. Now it is yours. No energy is left from the previous owner or the person who gave it to you. It is yours.

When I was selling the pieces I cleansed, I did not put them on after the cleanse; I put them in the display cases, which I had smudged when I first purchased them. Thus they were completely clear for the new owner.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

mimi on June 03, 2020:

i think moonlight would be a good alternative!

jan on March 05, 2011:

what do u suggest about the sunlight if the gemstone has a tendancy to fade