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Colored Gemstones
Beauty. Rarity. Durability. These attributes attract us to colored gemstones for personal adornment and make gemstones valuable and precious. Colored gemstones provide the opportunity for uniquely personal expression.
Beauty. Most colored gemstones derive their beauty from their color – purples, blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds. In certain colored gemstones color occurs naturally. Satisfying hues are intrinsic in some garnets, for example. In other colored gemstones, the final color occurs with assistance. For nearly as long as people have worn rubies, we have known how to treat a rough ruby with heat to obtain a desirable red color. Not all rubies are heat treated, but the vast majority are.
Gem cutters work to achieve a pleasing and affordable mix of color, weight (measured in carats), and a safe shape for mounting. During creation, a gemstone’s size is constrained by nature. For example, while large and beautiful amethysts are readily available, an alexandrite of large size is extremely rare.
Sparkle adds to the beauty of a well-cut colored gemstone. The cut of a colored gemstone describes its shape and how it is fashioned. Some gemstones, such as opal, are suited to a smooth, rounded surface. Others, such as sapphire, are more frequently shaped with a precise series of flat, symmetrical planes, called facets, which make the most pleasing illumination of the gem’s color. Some cutters today may also use convex or concave facets, shaping colored gemstone like small sculptures.
The clarity of colored gemstones contributes to their beauty. Unless a gemstone is opaque and blocks all light, how light moves through the gemstone affects its beauty. Some gemstones have few internal inclusions to interrupt the passage of light, as is the case with most pieces of tanzanite. Others have characteristic inclusions. For example, some emerald has a “jardine” (garden), which makes each gem truly unique.
Rarity. Across time and cultures, people have adorned themselves with rare gem materials. From pearls and corals plucked from the seas, to bright colored pebbles found in the soils settling at the mouths of rivers; from the collection of gemstones mounted in the breastplate of Aaron as accounted in ancient scripture, to the historic gemstones mounted in the crown jewels of European monarchs, we let ourselves be known through the gemstones we choose to wear. These gemstones are precious because they are rare.
Because of their rarity, gemstones in which color is naturally occurring are generally more valuable. Many gemstones are treated or enhanced in some way, such as with heat or safe irradiation, to achieve the beautiful colors or clarity we desire in the sizes we desire. These gems, which are less rare, can also be very valuable. Some jewelers make synthetic colored gemstones available. Synthetic colored gemstones have all the optical, physical and chemical properties of naturally occurring gemstones, but they are created in a laboratory rather than occurring in nature. For some budgets, these synthetic materials are an acceptable choice.
Durability. A gemstone’s ability to be fashioned, mounted and worn is a function of how durable it is – a matter of both hardness and toughness. Some gemstones, such as sapphire, ruby and garnet, are well-suited to an active daily life and work well in rings, bracelets or cufflinks. Others, such as emeralds, pearls and opals call for earring or necklace mountings to keep them beautifully displayed but out of harm’s way.
Buying Colored Gemstone Jewelry.
When buying colored gemstone jewelry, select what you consider beautiful. Because of the subtle differences in the tone and hue of the colored gemstone you are considering, look at several to find the one you prefer. Some jewelers offer loose colored gemstones and are able to help you create a personalized mounting. You may prefer to buy a finished jewelry item. Discuss how you see yourself wearing the piece so that your jeweler can help you select mountings consistent with your lifestyle. This will provide the best safeguard for your purchase.
You have the right to know what you are buying, whether yours is a natural gemstone, an enhanced or treated gemstone, or a synthetic gemstone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for the jewelry industry stating that jewelers must disclose any treatment that is not permanent, that creates special care requirements, or that affects the gemstone’s value. Likewise, if a material is synthetic, it must be disclosed. Jewelers of America (JA) advises its members to disclose all such information, in the belief that a well-informed jewelry purchaser is a satisfied purchaser.
To give you the information you need, many jewelers provide written notice at the time you buy a gemstone by way of a note or code explaining your purchase. This information is written or stamped on the invoice or on an information card enclosed with your purchase. Be sure that the meaning of any code is clear to you. It is important to obtain this information prior to leaving the store, because it affects your purchase price and will also affect future cleaning and repair as well as replacement of an insured loss.
Caring for Your Colored Gemstone Jewelry. As is true of all precious items, care extends the life of the jewelry and your pleasure in wearing it. A few pointers follow:
Daily Handling. Put on jewelry, especially cultured pearls, after you apply makeup, perfume or cologne.
Daily Wear. Remove jewelry before heavy yard work, home cleaning chores, working on heavy equipment or relaxing in a pool or spa (especially if you are in chlorine regularly).
Night Routine. After removing jewelry, wipe it gently with a soft cloth to remove residues of the day. Store items in a jewelry case or soft cloth so that they do not touch each other. This avoids the potential of harder gemstones scratching softer ones.
Insurance. Discuss your potential insurance needs with your jeweler or home insurance agent.
Specialized Cleaning. Discuss how to clean your jewelry with your jeweler. Avoid home cleaning solutions, including home ultrasonics, unless you are sure the item is suitable for home cleaning. Some jewelry is suited to home cleaning with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Always rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning and before storage.
Six-Month Cleaning. Ask your jeweler to clean your jewelry every six months.
Twelve-Month Security Check. At least once a year, ask your jeweler to check the security of your jewelry. Are the prongs holding your gemstone secure? Is the clasp secure? Do the cultured pearls need to be restrung? Does the ring still fit securely or does it need to be resized? During this check, your jeweler might also recommend a re-polishing of the gemstone itself in order to restore the gem’s original beauty.
Where to Buy Colored Gemstone Jewelry. To make sure you have jewelry that you will be happy with now and for years to come, follow this simple rule: buy from a professional jeweler, someone you can trust. Choose a retailer who has been serving the community for a number of years and has an established reputation.
Ask if the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America (JA), the national association for retail jewelers. Or look for the “J” mark on the door. JA jewelers are knowledgeable and they have a wide selection that will make selecting your colored gemstone jewelry a pleasure. Your JA jeweler will not only help you with this purchase, but will also help with all your future jewelry needs, including repairs, custom design or answering questions which you may have about jewelry. JA members have signed and abide by a Code of Ethics, so you can buy with confidence from your JA member jeweler.
In 1997, JA helped sponsor the renovation of the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. The hall houses the Hope Diamond, one of the most famous pieces of jewelry in the world, an extensive collection of jewelry, gems and minerals, and many interactive educational exhibits. As part of its support, JA sponsored “Why Is a Ruby Red?” an educational video that runs on a continuous loop in the hall and explains how gemstones get their color. JA and your local JA jeweler are proud to be associated with the educational opportunities available at the Smithsonian and invite you to visit the hall to learn more about the life of gemstones, from their creation in the earth to their uses in fine jewelry.
Beauty. Most colored gemstones derive their beauty from their color – purples, blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds. In certain colored gemstones color occurs naturally. Satisfying hues are intrinsic in some garnets, for example. In other colored gemstones, the final color occurs with assistance. For nearly as long as people have worn rubies, we have known how to treat a rough ruby with heat to obtain a desirable red color. Not all rubies are heat treated, but the vast majority are.
Gem cutters work to achieve a pleasing and affordable mix of color, weight (measured in carats), and a safe shape for mounting. During creation, a gemstone’s size is constrained by nature. For example, while large and beautiful amethysts are readily available, an alexandrite of large size is extremely rare.
Sparkle adds to the beauty of a well-cut colored gemstone. The cut of a colored gemstone describes its shape and how it is fashioned. Some gemstones, such as opal, are suited to a smooth, rounded surface. Others, such as sapphire, are more frequently shaped with a precise series of flat, symmetrical planes, called facets, which make the most pleasing illumination of the gem’s color. Some cutters today may also use convex or concave facets, shaping colored gemstone like small sculptures.
The clarity of colored gemstones contributes to their beauty. Unless a gemstone is opaque and blocks all light, how light moves through the gemstone affects its beauty. Some gemstones have few internal inclusions to interrupt the passage of light, as is the case with most pieces of tanzanite. Others have characteristic inclusions. For example, some emerald has a “jardine” (garden), which makes each gem truly unique.
Rarity. Across time and cultures, people have adorned themselves with rare gem materials. From pearls and corals plucked from the seas, to bright colored pebbles found in the soils settling at the mouths of rivers; from the collection of gemstones mounted in the breastplate of Aaron as accounted in ancient scripture, to the historic gemstones mounted in the crown jewels of European monarchs, we let ourselves be known through the gemstones we choose to wear. These gemstones are precious because they are rare.
Because of their rarity, gemstones in which color is naturally occurring are generally more valuable. Many gemstones are treated or enhanced in some way, such as with heat or safe irradiation, to achieve the beautiful colors or clarity we desire in the sizes we desire. These gems, which are less rare, can also be very valuable. Some jewelers make synthetic colored gemstones available. Synthetic colored gemstones have all the optical, physical and chemical properties of naturally occurring gemstones, but they are created in a laboratory rather than occurring in nature. For some budgets, these synthetic materials are an acceptable choice.
Durability. A gemstone’s ability to be fashioned, mounted and worn is a function of how durable it is – a matter of both hardness and toughness. Some gemstones, such as sapphire, ruby and garnet, are well-suited to an active daily life and work well in rings, bracelets or cufflinks. Others, such as emeralds, pearls and opals call for earring or necklace mountings to keep them beautifully displayed but out of harm’s way.
Buying Colored Gemstone Jewelry.
When buying colored gemstone jewelry, select what you consider beautiful. Because of the subtle differences in the tone and hue of the colored gemstone you are considering, look at several to find the one you prefer. Some jewelers offer loose colored gemstones and are able to help you create a personalized mounting. You may prefer to buy a finished jewelry item. Discuss how you see yourself wearing the piece so that your jeweler can help you select mountings consistent with your lifestyle. This will provide the best safeguard for your purchase.
You have the right to know what you are buying, whether yours is a natural gemstone, an enhanced or treated gemstone, or a synthetic gemstone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for the jewelry industry stating that jewelers must disclose any treatment that is not permanent, that creates special care requirements, or that affects the gemstone’s value. Likewise, if a material is synthetic, it must be disclosed. Jewelers of America (JA) advises its members to disclose all such information, in the belief that a well-informed jewelry purchaser is a satisfied purchaser.
To give you the information you need, many jewelers provide written notice at the time you buy a gemstone by way of a note or code explaining your purchase. This information is written or stamped on the invoice or on an information card enclosed with your purchase. Be sure that the meaning of any code is clear to you. It is important to obtain this information prior to leaving the store, because it affects your purchase price and will also affect future cleaning and repair as well as replacement of an insured loss.
Caring for Your Colored Gemstone Jewelry. As is true of all precious items, care extends the life of the jewelry and your pleasure in wearing it. A few pointers follow:
Daily Handling. Put on jewelry, especially cultured pearls, after you apply makeup, perfume or cologne.
Daily Wear. Remove jewelry before heavy yard work, home cleaning chores, working on heavy equipment or relaxing in a pool or spa (especially if you are in chlorine regularly).
Night Routine. After removing jewelry, wipe it gently with a soft cloth to remove residues of the day. Store items in a jewelry case or soft cloth so that they do not touch each other. This avoids the potential of harder gemstones scratching softer ones.
Insurance. Discuss your potential insurance needs with your jeweler or home insurance agent.
Specialized Cleaning. Discuss how to clean your jewelry with your jeweler. Avoid home cleaning solutions, including home ultrasonics, unless you are sure the item is suitable for home cleaning. Some jewelry is suited to home cleaning with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Always rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning and before storage.
Six-Month Cleaning. Ask your jeweler to clean your jewelry every six months.
Twelve-Month Security Check. At least once a year, ask your jeweler to check the security of your jewelry. Are the prongs holding your gemstone secure? Is the clasp secure? Do the cultured pearls need to be restrung? Does the ring still fit securely or does it need to be resized? During this check, your jeweler might also recommend a re-polishing of the gemstone itself in order to restore the gem’s original beauty.
Where to Buy Colored Gemstone Jewelry. To make sure you have jewelry that you will be happy with now and for years to come, follow this simple rule: buy from a professional jeweler, someone you can trust. Choose a retailer who has been serving the community for a number of years and has an established reputation.
Ask if the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America (JA), the national association for retail jewelers. Or look for the “J” mark on the door. JA jewelers are knowledgeable and they have a wide selection that will make selecting your colored gemstone jewelry a pleasure. Your JA jeweler will not only help you with this purchase, but will also help with all your future jewelry needs, including repairs, custom design or answering questions which you may have about jewelry. JA members have signed and abide by a Code of Ethics, so you can buy with confidence from your JA member jeweler.
In 1997, JA helped sponsor the renovation of the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. The hall houses the Hope Diamond, one of the most famous pieces of jewelry in the world, an extensive collection of jewelry, gems and minerals, and many interactive educational exhibits. As part of its support, JA sponsored “Why Is a Ruby Red?” an educational video that runs on a continuous loop in the hall and explains how gemstones get their color. JA and your local JA jeweler are proud to be associated with the educational opportunities available at the Smithsonian and invite you to visit the hall to learn more about the life of gemstones, from their creation in the earth to their uses in fine jewelry.
Karat Gold Jewelry
Gold, one of the world's most precious metals, dates back to the dawn of mankind. All great civilizations built up treasuries of the lustrous metal, reserving golden objects for their most important rituals.
The most alluring use of the sun-colored metal has always been in jewelry. The Egyptians, largest producers of gold in the ancient world, equated gold with the sun, the giver of life, and reserved its use for pharaohs only. The ancient Etruscans created meticulously hand-wrought objects using fine granules and threads of gold, a technique still practiced today. To this day, Chinese and Indian brides wear jewelry of 24-karat gold on their wedding day to ensure a lifetime of good luck and happiness. A gift of gold jewelry says love and permanence as eloquently today as in all the ages past.
The Characteristics of Gold. Gold combines four basic characteristics that make it a universally treasured possession:
Beauty. Gold's natural color can be further enhanced by alloying it with small amounts of other metals, yielding a spectrum of exquisite, subtle shades. Metalsmiths are able to create yellow, rose, green and white golds by adjusting the alloys. More copper results in a soft rose color; additional silver creates green gold; and nickel produces white. A popular trend is to combine two or more colors of gold in a single piece of jewelry.
Purity It is estimated that only slightly more than 100,000 tons of gold have been taken from the earth during all of recorded history. And although gold can be found in rivers, seas and land in many parts of the earth, it is not easily extracted. Opening a mine is a time-consuming and costly operation, and several tons of ore are required in order to produce just one ounce of the precious metal.
Durability Look no further than the nearest museum, where gold jewelry, coins and artifacts from ancient civilizations attest to the metal's enduring beauty and permanence.
Workability Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all other metals for its beauty and ease of workmanship. Gold can be melted, or shaped, to create any design. It can be alloyed with a number of other metals to increase its strength and produce a variety of colors and can be re-melted and used again to create new designs.
How to Buy Karat Gold Jewelry
Look for the quality mark. Pure gold, or 14-karat, is generally considered too soft for use in jewelry, so gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.
Eighteen-karat gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters, pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked "18k" or "750," the European designation meaning 75 percent gold.
In the United States, 14-karat gold is used most commonly for jewelry. Fourteen-karat gold is 14/24ths, or slightly more than one-half, pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked "14k" or "585," the European designation meaning 58.5 percent gold.
Nothing less than 10-karat gold can be legally marked or sold as gold jewelry in the United States. These pieces are marked "10k" or "417," the European designation meaning 41.7 percent gold.
Quality Marks on Karat Gold Jewelry
Karatage Karat mark European marking Percent pure gold
Ten-karat 10K 417 41.7%
Fourteen-karat 14K 585 58.5%
Eighteen-karat 18K 750 75.0%
Twenty-four karat 24K 999 99.9%
Look for trademarks accompanying the quality mark. When a piece of jewelry is stamped with a quality mark, law requires that it be stamped with a hallmark or trademark as well. Sometimes the jewelry is also marked with its country of origin. These designations are designed to assure you that you are buying genuine gold jewelry of the karatage marked.
Gold comes in a variety of colors. Because gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength, it can also be made in a variety of colors. For example, yellow gold is created by alloying the metal with copper and silver; using copper only creates pink gold; white gold contains nickel, zinc and copper; green gold contains silver, copper and zinc.
Alloys Used in Karat Gold
Color Contains These Metals
Yellow Gold - Gold, Copper, Silver
White Gold - Gold, Nickel, Zinc, Copper
Green Gold - Gold, Silver, Copper, Zince
Rose Gold - Gold , Copper, Silver
Pink Gold - Gold, Copper
Pricing is based on four factors: karatage, weight, design and craftsmanship. The karatage and weight tell you how much gold is in a piece, but other crucial factors determining price are the piece's construction and design. A price based solely on weight does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece. It's important to remember that each piece of gold jewelry is unique and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
Look for quality construction. When buying a piece of gold jewelry, be sure to inspect it carefully. Pay special attention to fasteners or clasps, making sure catches work easily but are secure. Likewise, the backs of pins and earring posts should be strong and firmly attached to the piece, with no soldering marks visible. With gold chain, lay it flat and make sure the links don't kink or bend.
Your Gold Jewelry Wardrobe
Build a gold jewelry wardrobe in the same way you build a clothing wardrobe. Always begin with the best-quality basics you can afford and add pieces. Your basics are a gold chain, necklace, classic hoop or button earrings, and a link bracelet. Additions can include a slide-on pendant, a pair of drop earrings where the bottoms can be detached (thus creating two different looks), followed by a gold ring or a pin. Begin with pieces that have classic shapes and look appropriate with a variety of different outfits, then add pieces that offer versatility or those with a fashion touch, such as matte and polished surface treatments or two or three tones of gold.
Caring For Your Gold Jewelry
Gold is lasting and durable, but it can get scratched or dented if treated roughly. Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Repeated exposure can weaken gold's structure, eventually leading to breakage. Keep your jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products and out of swimming pools and jacuzzis. Protect your gold jewelry by storing it safely or keeping it wrapped in a soft cloth when not being worn. Clean your gold jewelry with a cleaning solution of sudsy lukewarm water, or bring it to your local jeweler and have it steam-cleaned. Dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after cleaning and rinsing. Keep gold jewelry free from dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup. Always inspect your gold jewelry for weakness or damage and bring it to a professional jeweler for immediate repair. Your jeweler will be able to restore it for you.
Where to Buy Karat Gold Jewelry
Now that you are ready to buy, the question that comes to mind is where? You can buy gold jewelry in many types of stores, and "incredible discounts" are not hard to find.
But to make sure you get jewelry that you will be happy with now and for years to come, follow a simple rule: buy from a professional, someone you can trust. Choose a retailer who has been serving the community for a number of years and has an established reputation.
Ask if the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America, the national association for retail jewelers. Or look for the "J" mark on the door. JA jewelers are knowledgeable, and they have a wide selection of fine jewelry that will make putting your gold jewelry wardrobe together easy and fun. They will not only help you with this purchase, but they will be there in the future to answer all your questions and help you with your purchases, repairs, and custom design. JA members have signed and abide by a Code of Ethics, so you can buy with confidence from your JA member jeweler.
The most alluring use of the sun-colored metal has always been in jewelry. The Egyptians, largest producers of gold in the ancient world, equated gold with the sun, the giver of life, and reserved its use for pharaohs only. The ancient Etruscans created meticulously hand-wrought objects using fine granules and threads of gold, a technique still practiced today. To this day, Chinese and Indian brides wear jewelry of 24-karat gold on their wedding day to ensure a lifetime of good luck and happiness. A gift of gold jewelry says love and permanence as eloquently today as in all the ages past.
The Characteristics of Gold. Gold combines four basic characteristics that make it a universally treasured possession:
Beauty. Gold's natural color can be further enhanced by alloying it with small amounts of other metals, yielding a spectrum of exquisite, subtle shades. Metalsmiths are able to create yellow, rose, green and white golds by adjusting the alloys. More copper results in a soft rose color; additional silver creates green gold; and nickel produces white. A popular trend is to combine two or more colors of gold in a single piece of jewelry.
Purity It is estimated that only slightly more than 100,000 tons of gold have been taken from the earth during all of recorded history. And although gold can be found in rivers, seas and land in many parts of the earth, it is not easily extracted. Opening a mine is a time-consuming and costly operation, and several tons of ore are required in order to produce just one ounce of the precious metal.
Durability Look no further than the nearest museum, where gold jewelry, coins and artifacts from ancient civilizations attest to the metal's enduring beauty and permanence.
Workability Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all other metals for its beauty and ease of workmanship. Gold can be melted, or shaped, to create any design. It can be alloyed with a number of other metals to increase its strength and produce a variety of colors and can be re-melted and used again to create new designs.
How to Buy Karat Gold Jewelry
Look for the quality mark. Pure gold, or 14-karat, is generally considered too soft for use in jewelry, so gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.
Eighteen-karat gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters, pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked "18k" or "750," the European designation meaning 75 percent gold.
In the United States, 14-karat gold is used most commonly for jewelry. Fourteen-karat gold is 14/24ths, or slightly more than one-half, pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked "14k" or "585," the European designation meaning 58.5 percent gold.
Nothing less than 10-karat gold can be legally marked or sold as gold jewelry in the United States. These pieces are marked "10k" or "417," the European designation meaning 41.7 percent gold.
Quality Marks on Karat Gold Jewelry
Karatage Karat mark European marking Percent pure gold
Ten-karat 10K 417 41.7%
Fourteen-karat 14K 585 58.5%
Eighteen-karat 18K 750 75.0%
Twenty-four karat 24K 999 99.9%
Look for trademarks accompanying the quality mark. When a piece of jewelry is stamped with a quality mark, law requires that it be stamped with a hallmark or trademark as well. Sometimes the jewelry is also marked with its country of origin. These designations are designed to assure you that you are buying genuine gold jewelry of the karatage marked.
Gold comes in a variety of colors. Because gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength, it can also be made in a variety of colors. For example, yellow gold is created by alloying the metal with copper and silver; using copper only creates pink gold; white gold contains nickel, zinc and copper; green gold contains silver, copper and zinc.
Alloys Used in Karat Gold
Color Contains These Metals
Yellow Gold - Gold, Copper, Silver
White Gold - Gold, Nickel, Zinc, Copper
Green Gold - Gold, Silver, Copper, Zince
Rose Gold - Gold , Copper, Silver
Pink Gold - Gold, Copper
Pricing is based on four factors: karatage, weight, design and craftsmanship. The karatage and weight tell you how much gold is in a piece, but other crucial factors determining price are the piece's construction and design. A price based solely on weight does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece. It's important to remember that each piece of gold jewelry is unique and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
Look for quality construction. When buying a piece of gold jewelry, be sure to inspect it carefully. Pay special attention to fasteners or clasps, making sure catches work easily but are secure. Likewise, the backs of pins and earring posts should be strong and firmly attached to the piece, with no soldering marks visible. With gold chain, lay it flat and make sure the links don't kink or bend.
Your Gold Jewelry Wardrobe
Build a gold jewelry wardrobe in the same way you build a clothing wardrobe. Always begin with the best-quality basics you can afford and add pieces. Your basics are a gold chain, necklace, classic hoop or button earrings, and a link bracelet. Additions can include a slide-on pendant, a pair of drop earrings where the bottoms can be detached (thus creating two different looks), followed by a gold ring or a pin. Begin with pieces that have classic shapes and look appropriate with a variety of different outfits, then add pieces that offer versatility or those with a fashion touch, such as matte and polished surface treatments or two or three tones of gold.
Caring For Your Gold Jewelry
Gold is lasting and durable, but it can get scratched or dented if treated roughly. Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Repeated exposure can weaken gold's structure, eventually leading to breakage. Keep your jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products and out of swimming pools and jacuzzis. Protect your gold jewelry by storing it safely or keeping it wrapped in a soft cloth when not being worn. Clean your gold jewelry with a cleaning solution of sudsy lukewarm water, or bring it to your local jeweler and have it steam-cleaned. Dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after cleaning and rinsing. Keep gold jewelry free from dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup. Always inspect your gold jewelry for weakness or damage and bring it to a professional jeweler for immediate repair. Your jeweler will be able to restore it for you.
Where to Buy Karat Gold Jewelry
Now that you are ready to buy, the question that comes to mind is where? You can buy gold jewelry in many types of stores, and "incredible discounts" are not hard to find.
But to make sure you get jewelry that you will be happy with now and for years to come, follow a simple rule: buy from a professional, someone you can trust. Choose a retailer who has been serving the community for a number of years and has an established reputation.
Ask if the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America, the national association for retail jewelers. Or look for the "J" mark on the door. JA jewelers are knowledgeable, and they have a wide selection of fine jewelry that will make putting your gold jewelry wardrobe together easy and fun. They will not only help you with this purchase, but they will be there in the future to answer all your questions and help you with your purchases, repairs, and custom design. JA members have signed and abide by a Code of Ethics, so you can buy with confidence from your JA member jeweler.
Choosing a JA Jewelry Professional
When you buy a dazzling piece of fine jewelry, you’re making an important purchase. Equally important is the decision of where you’re going to make the purchase. Jewelers of America (JA), the national association for retail jewelers, has more than 10,000 members across the United States – all JA jewelry professionals.
When you have your heart set on the jewelry you’ve always wanted, don’t let yourself be dazzled into selecting a jeweler you may not be happy with later. Before you select a jeweler, be logical, be thorough and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a consumer, you have a right to know about the fine jewelry you are purchasing and the jeweler making the sale.
A Lasting Relationship With Your Jeweler The right jeweler should be one you can rely on for all your jewelry purchases, year after year. From gifts for loved ones to treasures for yourself, the jeweler with whom you do business should educate and inform you when you’re making a purchase.
Your jeweler should be there to guide you in selecting fine jewelry of lasting quality and beauty that will enrich your life and the lives of those you love. Your jeweler should also be there to help you properly care for your jewelry so that it can give you years of enjoyment.
A JA jewelry professional can do all these things and more. Your jeweler should be on the same level as your doctor, lawyer or accountant — trusted individuals who have mastered the unique but necessary skills required by their professions.
When you are ready to find a jeweler, look to a Jewelers of America (JA) member. JA jewelers will not only help you with your purchase but they will also be there in the future to answer your questions.
Is Your Jeweler a JA Member? If you see the "J" mark on the door, the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America, an association that promotes and reinforces integrity and professionalism among jewelers. JA is a professional organization with standards of conduct and business ethics that its members agree to follow.
These standards include a commitment to maintaining the highest level of personal and professional integrity, as well as treating customers with courtesy and respect. JA members also keep pace with industry and fashion trends and are able to provide the most up-to-date merchandise and information for their customers. When you see the "J" mark, you know you are bringing your business to professionals with the skill and knowledge to help you make the right selection of quality jewelry within your budget.
JA Resources for the Professional Jeweler A major benefit of shopping with JA members is that these stores have access to many resources, which can make your jewelry shopping experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
JA is dedicated to promoting the professionalism of the jewelry industry. JA members have joined with their colleagues to work toward this goal. JA members are committed to promoting professionalism and outstanding customer service in their stores and throughout the entire jewelry industry.
JA must have the respect and confidence of the public and the jewelry industry. For this confidence and respect, JA members must maintain the highest possible ethical standards in their business dealings. Every JA member must follow and agree to the ethical standards, principles and practices of JA.
JA members have access to special educational programs that keep jewelers up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry. JA also offers several formalized certification programs to evaluate the professional abilities of each member of the retail operation. These programs measure an individual’s abilities in traditional jewelry skills (product knowledge, bench abilities, customer service, management, etc.) against an established industry standard for the candidate’s specialty (sales associate, store manager or bench jeweler). In order to be certified candidates must demonstrate sufficient competency in their profession’s skills. Ask if the staff of your jewelry store is certified.
JA offers its members numerous services that are passed along to you as special value-added features.
JA provides its members with special publications that help educate you about jewelry and how to make a purchase. The information you are currently reading is part of the "What You Should Know About..." series, a group of consumer-education guides that provides information about the most popular jewelry items and answers the most frequently asked questions about jewelry. Another JA series provides information about the 15 most popular gemstones. Ask for these brochures in your jewelry store.
In addition to looking for a JA member, you should follow these guidelines as you search for a professional jeweler who is reliable and offers a wide selection of beautiful, distinctive jewelry for you to choose from.
How Long Has the Jeweler Been in Business? Has the store just recently opened, or is it well-established? If the store is new, be sure to visit it and talk to the sales staff and, if possible, the manager or owner. This is a great way of assessing the professionalism of the store and it helps you establish a personal relationship with the jeweler. Ask yourself a series of questions: How does the sales staff treat you when you enter the door? Do they answer all of your questions? How is the store designed? Does it look like time and effort went into making the store look inviting? How is the jewelry displayed? Do you feel comfortable in the store and would you be comfortable shopping there on a regular basis?
Many jewelry stores in your area are probably not new but have been in business for many years — some for several generations. If you are shopping at one of these retailers ask how long the store has been in business. Find out if the jeweler has a history of community involvement. Some jewelers regularly sponsor or host beauty pageants, art exhibits and other community events. Chances are, the longer the store has been involved in the community, the more solid its reputation. If it is a family-owned store, ask if the family actively manages the store.
Whether you are shopping at an established or a newly opened retailer, you should ask the same questions. What types of merchandise does the store offer? What services are available? Is a manager or owner available if you need to talk to them? More importantly, what are the credentials of the staff and management? Do they have experience or formal training in jewelry, retailing or management?
What Is the Jeweler’s Reputation? Asking friends, neighbors or business associates about their personal experiences with various retailers can be an excellent way of selecting an outstanding jeweler. This can also help you avoid choosing the wrong jeweler.
If you are doubtful about a retailer, you might consider contacting your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to see if there are any negative reports about the store. You can also contact Jewelers of America or your state jewelers’ association for information on a particular retailer.
What Services Does the Jeweler Offer? Maintaining the fine jewelry you have purchased will be important to you as time passes. Ask if the jeweler is able to clean, size, engrave, restring or remount your jewelry.
Does the store have a trained gemologist and a bench jeweler on the premises? Gemologists have studied the unique properties of diamonds and colored stones. They are familiar with the various types of precious and semi-precious stones used in fine jewelry and can explain how to care for and clean your gemstone jewelry. If you are interested in purchasing diamond or gemstone jewelry, a gemologist can guide you to an appropriate purchase that matches your taste, budget and lifestyle.
A bench jeweler is trained in the fabrication and repair of jewelry. This individual can repair your jewelry, resize your ring and reset a stone. Highly experienced bench jewelers can often custom design a piece for you.
In some stores the bench jeweler and gemologist can be the same person. In larger stores, several people may be employed as gemologists and bench jewelers. Sometimes the owner wears all of these hats. In all cases, having trained gemologists and bench jewelers on site is an important component of the professional jewelry store.
Do You Have All the Information About the Jeweler’s Products? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for the fair and clear marking and advertising of all jewelry products so that you are able to make an informed and educated purchase.
According to the FTC, jewelers should give you all the information about the product you are buying including price, the type of metals and gemstones used, and any enhancements or treatments that may have been performed on the jewelry. The FTC guidelines cover not only jewelry, but many other items you may find at your jewelry store including watches, accessories, giftware and non-precious materials such as pewter.
Professional jewelers follow these guidelines and give you all the information they can about the merchandise in their stores.
What Is the Jeweler’s Return Policy? Be sure to inquire about the time period for returning jewelry. Also ask whether you will be allowed an exchange or a cash refund, if this is of concern to you.
Does the Jeweler Regularly Offer High Discounts? Some stores continually discount or use wholesale prices as a means of attracting customers. These discounts sometimes go as high as 50 or 60 percent. Find out if the "discounted" jewelry was ever sold at the regular price and for how long. Some states have laws, regulations or guidelines that limit the length of discount sales and require retailers to display the products’ original prices. Check with your attorney general’s office, or a local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for the regulations in your area. You can also contact your state jewelers’ association and ask if they have any materials that will help you understand accurate jewelry pricing and discounts.
You may also want to compare prices from jeweler to jeweler, so you have a better sense of relative costs for items of similar quality.
Does the Jeweler Offer a Wide Selection? As in any retail store where you enjoy shopping, selection is an important factor in your choice. Look at the selection a jewelry store has to offer and determine if it reflects your taste and meets your needs. Remember, a professional jeweler will help you develop a jewelry wardrobe that meets your budget, tastes and lifestyle. Jewelers can almost always special order jewelry for you and some may even be able to custom design a piece. Simply ask if these services are available.
What Information Can the Jeweler Share with You? A professional jeweler is also a consumer educator who understands your need for information. Does the store provide you with information that will help you select and care for your fine jewelry? Booklets, brochures and other materials should be available to help guide you in your purchases and answer questions you may have.
When you have your heart set on the jewelry you’ve always wanted, don’t let yourself be dazzled into selecting a jeweler you may not be happy with later. Before you select a jeweler, be logical, be thorough and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a consumer, you have a right to know about the fine jewelry you are purchasing and the jeweler making the sale.
A Lasting Relationship With Your Jeweler The right jeweler should be one you can rely on for all your jewelry purchases, year after year. From gifts for loved ones to treasures for yourself, the jeweler with whom you do business should educate and inform you when you’re making a purchase.
Your jeweler should be there to guide you in selecting fine jewelry of lasting quality and beauty that will enrich your life and the lives of those you love. Your jeweler should also be there to help you properly care for your jewelry so that it can give you years of enjoyment.
A JA jewelry professional can do all these things and more. Your jeweler should be on the same level as your doctor, lawyer or accountant — trusted individuals who have mastered the unique but necessary skills required by their professions.
When you are ready to find a jeweler, look to a Jewelers of America (JA) member. JA jewelers will not only help you with your purchase but they will also be there in the future to answer your questions.
Is Your Jeweler a JA Member? If you see the "J" mark on the door, the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America, an association that promotes and reinforces integrity and professionalism among jewelers. JA is a professional organization with standards of conduct and business ethics that its members agree to follow.
These standards include a commitment to maintaining the highest level of personal and professional integrity, as well as treating customers with courtesy and respect. JA members also keep pace with industry and fashion trends and are able to provide the most up-to-date merchandise and information for their customers. When you see the "J" mark, you know you are bringing your business to professionals with the skill and knowledge to help you make the right selection of quality jewelry within your budget.
JA Resources for the Professional Jeweler A major benefit of shopping with JA members is that these stores have access to many resources, which can make your jewelry shopping experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
JA is dedicated to promoting the professionalism of the jewelry industry. JA members have joined with their colleagues to work toward this goal. JA members are committed to promoting professionalism and outstanding customer service in their stores and throughout the entire jewelry industry.
JA must have the respect and confidence of the public and the jewelry industry. For this confidence and respect, JA members must maintain the highest possible ethical standards in their business dealings. Every JA member must follow and agree to the ethical standards, principles and practices of JA.
JA members have access to special educational programs that keep jewelers up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry. JA also offers several formalized certification programs to evaluate the professional abilities of each member of the retail operation. These programs measure an individual’s abilities in traditional jewelry skills (product knowledge, bench abilities, customer service, management, etc.) against an established industry standard for the candidate’s specialty (sales associate, store manager or bench jeweler). In order to be certified candidates must demonstrate sufficient competency in their profession’s skills. Ask if the staff of your jewelry store is certified.
JA offers its members numerous services that are passed along to you as special value-added features.
JA provides its members with special publications that help educate you about jewelry and how to make a purchase. The information you are currently reading is part of the "What You Should Know About..." series, a group of consumer-education guides that provides information about the most popular jewelry items and answers the most frequently asked questions about jewelry. Another JA series provides information about the 15 most popular gemstones. Ask for these brochures in your jewelry store.
In addition to looking for a JA member, you should follow these guidelines as you search for a professional jeweler who is reliable and offers a wide selection of beautiful, distinctive jewelry for you to choose from.
How Long Has the Jeweler Been in Business? Has the store just recently opened, or is it well-established? If the store is new, be sure to visit it and talk to the sales staff and, if possible, the manager or owner. This is a great way of assessing the professionalism of the store and it helps you establish a personal relationship with the jeweler. Ask yourself a series of questions: How does the sales staff treat you when you enter the door? Do they answer all of your questions? How is the store designed? Does it look like time and effort went into making the store look inviting? How is the jewelry displayed? Do you feel comfortable in the store and would you be comfortable shopping there on a regular basis?
Many jewelry stores in your area are probably not new but have been in business for many years — some for several generations. If you are shopping at one of these retailers ask how long the store has been in business. Find out if the jeweler has a history of community involvement. Some jewelers regularly sponsor or host beauty pageants, art exhibits and other community events. Chances are, the longer the store has been involved in the community, the more solid its reputation. If it is a family-owned store, ask if the family actively manages the store.
Whether you are shopping at an established or a newly opened retailer, you should ask the same questions. What types of merchandise does the store offer? What services are available? Is a manager or owner available if you need to talk to them? More importantly, what are the credentials of the staff and management? Do they have experience or formal training in jewelry, retailing or management?
What Is the Jeweler’s Reputation? Asking friends, neighbors or business associates about their personal experiences with various retailers can be an excellent way of selecting an outstanding jeweler. This can also help you avoid choosing the wrong jeweler.
If you are doubtful about a retailer, you might consider contacting your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to see if there are any negative reports about the store. You can also contact Jewelers of America or your state jewelers’ association for information on a particular retailer.
What Services Does the Jeweler Offer? Maintaining the fine jewelry you have purchased will be important to you as time passes. Ask if the jeweler is able to clean, size, engrave, restring or remount your jewelry.
Does the store have a trained gemologist and a bench jeweler on the premises? Gemologists have studied the unique properties of diamonds and colored stones. They are familiar with the various types of precious and semi-precious stones used in fine jewelry and can explain how to care for and clean your gemstone jewelry. If you are interested in purchasing diamond or gemstone jewelry, a gemologist can guide you to an appropriate purchase that matches your taste, budget and lifestyle.
A bench jeweler is trained in the fabrication and repair of jewelry. This individual can repair your jewelry, resize your ring and reset a stone. Highly experienced bench jewelers can often custom design a piece for you.
In some stores the bench jeweler and gemologist can be the same person. In larger stores, several people may be employed as gemologists and bench jewelers. Sometimes the owner wears all of these hats. In all cases, having trained gemologists and bench jewelers on site is an important component of the professional jewelry store.
Do You Have All the Information About the Jeweler’s Products? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for the fair and clear marking and advertising of all jewelry products so that you are able to make an informed and educated purchase.
According to the FTC, jewelers should give you all the information about the product you are buying including price, the type of metals and gemstones used, and any enhancements or treatments that may have been performed on the jewelry. The FTC guidelines cover not only jewelry, but many other items you may find at your jewelry store including watches, accessories, giftware and non-precious materials such as pewter.
Professional jewelers follow these guidelines and give you all the information they can about the merchandise in their stores.
What Is the Jeweler’s Return Policy? Be sure to inquire about the time period for returning jewelry. Also ask whether you will be allowed an exchange or a cash refund, if this is of concern to you.
Does the Jeweler Regularly Offer High Discounts? Some stores continually discount or use wholesale prices as a means of attracting customers. These discounts sometimes go as high as 50 or 60 percent. Find out if the "discounted" jewelry was ever sold at the regular price and for how long. Some states have laws, regulations or guidelines that limit the length of discount sales and require retailers to display the products’ original prices. Check with your attorney general’s office, or a local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for the regulations in your area. You can also contact your state jewelers’ association and ask if they have any materials that will help you understand accurate jewelry pricing and discounts.
You may also want to compare prices from jeweler to jeweler, so you have a better sense of relative costs for items of similar quality.
Does the Jeweler Offer a Wide Selection? As in any retail store where you enjoy shopping, selection is an important factor in your choice. Look at the selection a jewelry store has to offer and determine if it reflects your taste and meets your needs. Remember, a professional jeweler will help you develop a jewelry wardrobe that meets your budget, tastes and lifestyle. Jewelers can almost always special order jewelry for you and some may even be able to custom design a piece. Simply ask if these services are available.
What Information Can the Jeweler Share with You? A professional jeweler is also a consumer educator who understands your need for information. Does the store provide you with information that will help you select and care for your fine jewelry? Booklets, brochures and other materials should be available to help guide you in your purchases and answer questions you may have.
Cultured Pearls
Pearls have been a source of fascination and desire since ancient times. Viewed as magic charms, symbols of purity and love, or sources of wisdom and power, pearls are one of the oldest known gems and have been revered by countless civilizations.
Legend has it that Cleopatra dissolved a large pearl in a glass of wine and drank it to impress Marc Antony with her wealth and power - a ploy that worked all too well. Knights in the Middle Ages wore pearls onto the battlefield to protect themselves from harm. Queen Elizabeth I so loved the white gems that she had them sewn on all her clothing and wore ropes of them around her neck. In addition to their fascinating beauty, pearls occupy a unique spot in the world of precious gemstones. Instead of being found in a core of rock, a pearl is made over time by a living creature, an oyster. Today, cultured pearls combine the beauty of nature with the genius of man to create organic gems available in a wide array of styles and prices.
The cultured pearl begins its life as an irritant to the oyster. To protect itself, the oyster coats an intruding object or grain of sand with nacre, a crystalline substance that builds up over time, resulting in a shimmering, iridescent creation. The culturing process developed by man mimics nature. Farmers implant a fine bead into the oyster where it cannot be expelled. The oyster does the rest and creates its lustrous masterpiece – the cultured pearl.
Types of Cultured Pearls
Akoya This is the most familiar type of cultured pearl sold in necklaces. Akoyas from Japan and China are grown in pearl oysters and are known for their shimmering beauty and warm colors, which range from rose, cream and gold to silvery white and blue/gray.
South Sea Large (10mm and up) cultured pearls grown in tropical and semi-tropical oysters in the South Seas and around the coast of Australia. Their color ranges from silvery white to gold. They are quite costly due to their size and rarity.
Tahitian Black Large (10mm and up) cultured pearls grown in black-lipped oysters in French Polynesia. Colors range from silvery gray and green to deep purple and black. Their large sizes and unique colors command premium prices.
Mabe Large, hemispherical cultured pearls grown against the inside shells of oysters rather than in the oysters' bodies. Due to their half-round shape, they are most popular in earrings, rings and brooches. Mabe cultured pearls are less expensive than round cultured pearls.
Freshwater Pearls cultivated in mussels, not oysters, in freshwater lakes and rivers primarily in China, Japan and the United States. Shapes can be freeform, rice shaped, off-round or spherical, and colors range from milky white to peach, pink and lavender. Freshwaters can be less expensive than other varieties of cultured pearls.
Keshi Also known as seed pearls, these tiny cultured pearls can be as small as a grain of sand and form accidentally in many cultured pearl oysters.
Baroque These cultured pearls are irregularly shaped, yet often lustrous and appealing. Due to their shapes, baroque cultured pearls are often less costly than round cultured pearls.
How to Buy Cultured Pearls When purchasing a piece of cultured pearl jewelry, it's best to buy from a knowledgeable, professional jeweler who can explain how to make the most of your purchase and ensure that you are getting the best quality cultured pearls within your budget. The higher the quality of cultured pearls you select, the more valued they will be over time. Use the following quality factors to evaluate cultured pearls and cultured pearl jewelry:
Lustre A combination of surface brilliance and a deep glow that seems to emanate from within the heart of a cultured pearl. The lustre of a good quality cultured pearl should be bright, not dull, enabling you to see your own reflection clearly on the surface of a cultured pearl. A cultured pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky indicates poor quality.
Surface Because cultured pearls are grown in oysters, it is rare to find a cultured pearl whose surface is free from any type of blemish. Blemishes can include disfiguring spots, bumps, pits and cracks on the surface of a cultured pearl. The fewer blemishes on the surface of a cultured pearl, the more valuable it will be.
Shape It is very rare to find a perfectly round cultured pearl, but generally, the rounder the cultured pearl, the more valuable it is. Cultured pearls also come in oval, pear and baroque shapes.
Color Cultured pearls come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink to black. The color of a cultured pearl is often a matter of personal preference.
Size Cultured pearls are measured by their diameter in millimeters. They can be smaller than 1mm, in the case of keshi cultured pearls, or as large as 20mm for a big South Sea cultured pearl. With all other quality factors being equal, the larger the cultured pearl, the more valuable it will be, since it is difficult for an oyster to grow a cultured pearl larger than 5mm.
Matching When buying a strand of cultured pearls, matching is very important. All the cultured pearls in a good quality strand should be evenly matched in terms of luster, surface, shape, color and size. Well-matched cultured pearl necklaces command top prices, because cultured pearl growers must harvest about 10,000 oysters in order to find enough cultured pearls that match closely enough to make up a simple, 16-inch strand.
Selecting a Cultured Pearl Necklace Choose your cultured pearl necklace based on your appearance, personality and style. Short necklaces are best for women with long necks, while longer lengths tend to slenderize and elongate the body. Fair-skinned women look best in rose-hued cultured pearls, while women with deeper skin tones are more flattered by cream or golden hues. Let your expert jeweler customize a necklace so its proportions and color are a good match for you. Use this guide to necklace lengths and terminology:
Choker A necklace 14 inches to 15 inches in length that rests on the collarbone.
Legend has it that Cleopatra dissolved a large pearl in a glass of wine and drank it to impress Marc Antony with her wealth and power - a ploy that worked all too well. Knights in the Middle Ages wore pearls onto the battlefield to protect themselves from harm. Queen Elizabeth I so loved the white gems that she had them sewn on all her clothing and wore ropes of them around her neck. In addition to their fascinating beauty, pearls occupy a unique spot in the world of precious gemstones. Instead of being found in a core of rock, a pearl is made over time by a living creature, an oyster. Today, cultured pearls combine the beauty of nature with the genius of man to create organic gems available in a wide array of styles and prices.
The cultured pearl begins its life as an irritant to the oyster. To protect itself, the oyster coats an intruding object or grain of sand with nacre, a crystalline substance that builds up over time, resulting in a shimmering, iridescent creation. The culturing process developed by man mimics nature. Farmers implant a fine bead into the oyster where it cannot be expelled. The oyster does the rest and creates its lustrous masterpiece – the cultured pearl.
Types of Cultured Pearls
Akoya This is the most familiar type of cultured pearl sold in necklaces. Akoyas from Japan and China are grown in pearl oysters and are known for their shimmering beauty and warm colors, which range from rose, cream and gold to silvery white and blue/gray.
South Sea Large (10mm and up) cultured pearls grown in tropical and semi-tropical oysters in the South Seas and around the coast of Australia. Their color ranges from silvery white to gold. They are quite costly due to their size and rarity.
Tahitian Black Large (10mm and up) cultured pearls grown in black-lipped oysters in French Polynesia. Colors range from silvery gray and green to deep purple and black. Their large sizes and unique colors command premium prices.
Mabe Large, hemispherical cultured pearls grown against the inside shells of oysters rather than in the oysters' bodies. Due to their half-round shape, they are most popular in earrings, rings and brooches. Mabe cultured pearls are less expensive than round cultured pearls.
Freshwater Pearls cultivated in mussels, not oysters, in freshwater lakes and rivers primarily in China, Japan and the United States. Shapes can be freeform, rice shaped, off-round or spherical, and colors range from milky white to peach, pink and lavender. Freshwaters can be less expensive than other varieties of cultured pearls.
Keshi Also known as seed pearls, these tiny cultured pearls can be as small as a grain of sand and form accidentally in many cultured pearl oysters.
Baroque These cultured pearls are irregularly shaped, yet often lustrous and appealing. Due to their shapes, baroque cultured pearls are often less costly than round cultured pearls.
How to Buy Cultured Pearls When purchasing a piece of cultured pearl jewelry, it's best to buy from a knowledgeable, professional jeweler who can explain how to make the most of your purchase and ensure that you are getting the best quality cultured pearls within your budget. The higher the quality of cultured pearls you select, the more valued they will be over time. Use the following quality factors to evaluate cultured pearls and cultured pearl jewelry:
Lustre A combination of surface brilliance and a deep glow that seems to emanate from within the heart of a cultured pearl. The lustre of a good quality cultured pearl should be bright, not dull, enabling you to see your own reflection clearly on the surface of a cultured pearl. A cultured pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky indicates poor quality.
Surface Because cultured pearls are grown in oysters, it is rare to find a cultured pearl whose surface is free from any type of blemish. Blemishes can include disfiguring spots, bumps, pits and cracks on the surface of a cultured pearl. The fewer blemishes on the surface of a cultured pearl, the more valuable it will be.
Shape It is very rare to find a perfectly round cultured pearl, but generally, the rounder the cultured pearl, the more valuable it is. Cultured pearls also come in oval, pear and baroque shapes.
Color Cultured pearls come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink to black. The color of a cultured pearl is often a matter of personal preference.
Size Cultured pearls are measured by their diameter in millimeters. They can be smaller than 1mm, in the case of keshi cultured pearls, or as large as 20mm for a big South Sea cultured pearl. With all other quality factors being equal, the larger the cultured pearl, the more valuable it will be, since it is difficult for an oyster to grow a cultured pearl larger than 5mm.
Matching When buying a strand of cultured pearls, matching is very important. All the cultured pearls in a good quality strand should be evenly matched in terms of luster, surface, shape, color and size. Well-matched cultured pearl necklaces command top prices, because cultured pearl growers must harvest about 10,000 oysters in order to find enough cultured pearls that match closely enough to make up a simple, 16-inch strand.
Selecting a Cultured Pearl Necklace Choose your cultured pearl necklace based on your appearance, personality and style. Short necklaces are best for women with long necks, while longer lengths tend to slenderize and elongate the body. Fair-skinned women look best in rose-hued cultured pearls, while women with deeper skin tones are more flattered by cream or golden hues. Let your expert jeweler customize a necklace so its proportions and color are a good match for you. Use this guide to necklace lengths and terminology:
Choker A necklace 14 inches to 15 inches in length that rests on the collarbone.