They're all a girl's best friend! (Jewellery in general)

Member Name: theicequeen

Product:	Jewellery in general
Date:	21/07/02 (483 review reads)
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GOLD;

The characteristics that differentiate one classification of gold from another are purity and colour. As pure gold is considered both too heavy and too expensive to be used in the jewellery-making process, it is mixed with other metals such as copper or silver in a bid to create a stronger, more durable form of gold. The purity of the gold is then measured in carats and is acknowledged by the hallmarking system that originated over five centuries ago. In Britain four mixes of gold are recognised, the hallmark of the proportion of gold in the mix, per thousand parts;

24 carat gold = 100% (pure)= no hallmark
22 carat gold = 91.6% gold = 916 hallmark
18 carat gold = 75% gold = 750 hallmark
9 carat gold = 37.5% gold = 375 hallmark

In its original state gold is a yellow metal, however the inclusion of other metals can create a variation in colour. For example; adding copper to the gold forms rose gold; white gold has silver and palladium added to the gold and is plated with rhodium for strength and colour.

**TIP** Keep white gold away from chemicals (including perfumes and make-up) as they may destroy the rhodium plating.

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SILVER;

Silver is also too soft for use in its purest form and is therefore mixed with other metals for its hardness. Standard British silver contains 925 parts of silver in every 1000 and is stamped with a 925 hallmark. Silver tarnishes as a result of contact with the sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere; this can easily be removed with a cloth or in extreme cases, silver cleaner.

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PLATINUM;

Platinum is the hardest metal used in jewellery making; it is usually 95% pure and is a fashionable alternative to gold. Not only is platinum resistant to corrosion and fading, it is also hypoallergenic and its pure white colour is an excellent backdrop for diamonds.
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DIAMONDS "A girl's best friend";

Diamonds derive their value from their rarity, understandable when you consider that 250 tons of ore must be mined in order to produce a single one-carat diamond!
The popularity of diamonds dates back to the ancient civilisations. The Greeks saw them as representing the constant flame of love. The tradition of wearing diamond engagement rings on the third finger of the left hand is due to the Egyptian belief that the vein of love ran from the heart to that finger.

When buying diamonds you should look at the 4 C's, cut, clarity, colour and carat:

CUT = the skill with which the diamond has been polished. The more skilfully a diamond has been polished, the more brilliant and sparkling the stone will be.

CLARITY = Virtually all diamonds contain small dark spots called inclusions. The fewer inclusions there are within a diamond, the rarer and more expensive the stone.

COLOUR = Diamonds are graded on a scale ranging from colourless (the most expensive) to muted brown.

CARAT = The weight of any gemstone is measured in carats. One carat equals 0.2grams, one carat is then divided into 100 points and subsequently a stone of 50 points is described as half a carat. When there are multiple stones in the same item of jewellery, the carat refers to the total weight of all the stones.

If a diamond is certificated it means that the diamond has been fully assessed for the 4 C's, this is usually only the case with rings over £1,000.

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CREATED STONES & CUBIC ZIRCONIA;

Created stones such as created sapphire, created ruby or created emerald are grown in laboratories using simulated conditions. They are clearer and appear more perfect than real stones, they must be described as "created" and when in rings there must be a "K"
stamped inside the shank.

Cubic Zirconia is a popular man-made alternative to Diamonds and is available in a variety of colours. All rings containing Cubic Zirconia will have "CZ" stamped inside the shank.

**TIP** Keep Cubic Zirconia out of water as much as possible. Prolonged contact with water may cause the stone to appear cloudy.

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STONE IDENTIFICATION;

Diamond = Transparent
Sapphire = Deep/Royal blue
(also available in pink and yellow)
Ceylon Sapphire = Light/Azure blue
Ruby = Red
Emerald = Green
Aquamarine = Sea blue/Turquoise
Blue Topaz = Vibrant sky blue
Amethyst = Purple
Opal = White with flecks
Tanzanite = Indigo
Garnet = Fiery Orange
Peridot = Light, diluted green

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WHEN CHOOSING A DIAMOND RING;

* Try and decide whether you would like gold or platinum before you leave home.
- Do you need the hypoallergenic properties of platinum?
- Are you prepared for the wear and tear that will occur with gold?
- If considering white gold, are you prepared for the ring to be re-rhodium plated every year, would platinum not be a better investment?

* Do you want a rub-over setting or a claw-set ring; a claw setting will let more light into your diamond but will leave your diamond more vulnerable.

* When examining the ring ask for an eyeglass, this will facilitate a much better inspection of the diamonds and its inclusions.

* If the ring is certificated ask to see both its certificate and an explanation chart, this will give you all the information on the quality of the ring according to the 4 C's that you will need.

* Try and use your hand to shade the diamond from the bright shop lights. These lights tend to give the false impression that the stone is exce
ptionally sparkly and this also prevents a detailed inspection of the stone.

* When choosing a ring with a raised setting the fit is crucial. If the ring is able to turn on your finger, the chances are increased that it will be knocked causing the diamond to loosen.

* Think ahead to the wedding ring and how it will sit against your favoured engagement ring, ask the assistant for a wedding ring and try the rings on together.
- It may be that a shaped wedding ring would be required, are you prepared for the additional cost?
- Your engagement ring and wedding ring MUST be of the same metal and carat, if not the harder ring will cause untold damage to the softer ring?

* If you don't see a ring that you like, enquire as to whether or not the store offers a design service, most do. It is advisable in this case to shop around to find the store offering the quickest production time.

* When purchasing a diamond or an expensive ruby, sapphire or emerald, it is advisable to take any accidental damage cover that you are offered in-store. Reputable stores will have policies that will include the free replacement of diamonds. Diamond replacement can cost thousands and it really is cheaper to purchase these in-store policies than it is to claim on your insurance.

**BUT REMEMBER**
It is always better to educate yourself on these matters BEFORE you go shopping. The staff of most high street jewellers operate on a commission or target related bonus system and WILL be economic with the truth if there is a possibility of a big sale. It is ALWAYS better to know what you are talking about; it is always better to stay one step ahead of them!

I hope this has been of some help and if you have any other jewellery related queries, drop me a line and I'll try and reply within two days.
























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