Archive for May, 2010
Gold Buyer’s Guide
May 25th, 2010 | 
Author: What is gold?
The word gold, used by itself, means all gold or 24karat (24K) gold. Gold has been a monetary standard throughout the history of mankind. Gold is a soft but heavy metal.
What is a karat?
Karat tells you what proportion of gold is mixed with the other metals. For example, 18 karat (18K) gold contains 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of metals. Therefore 14 karat (14K) gold is less valuable than 18 karat gold since it contains 14 parts of gold and 10 parts of other metals. The abbreviation of karat is K. or Kt. It is easy to confuse this term with carat described below in the gemstone guide.
What are the gold alloys?
Pure (24K) gold is soft and unworkable. To increase its durability and hardness, it is mixed with other metals which are referred to as the gold alloys.
What is yellow gold?
Yellow gold refers to gold that has been alloyed with a mix of 50% copper and 50% silver.
What is white gold?
Pale, almost silver-colored gold caused by nickel, zinc alloys.
What is pink or rosegold?
Gold with a sligthly reddish hue, caused by copper.
What is green gold?
Gold with slight greenish hue that has been alloyed with a higher percentage of silver than copper.
What is gold plate?
Gold plate refers to items that have a layer of gold placed to a base metal. Gold plating wears away with time exposing the metal underneath.
What is vermeil?
A gold plated product consisting of a sterling silver base coated or plated with gold.
What is the best gold for jewelry?
The design parameters of a jewelry piece, personal choice, cultural preference and the economics are some of the factors that may have an influence on deciding the karat of gold. Each has its pros and cons.
In Asian countries, much jewelry is made of 24K or 22K. The 22K maintains most of the bright rich color of 24K, with enough added hardness to make it durable. 18K is used around the world, and generally is considered to be sufficiently hard for use in making most jewelry. The commercial mass produced 14K is harder but the gold color is significantly less satisfyingly rich.
How do I determine the karat of a gold item?
It is difficult to determine the karat of a gold item by looking at it. An effective test is the streak method.
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May is Here!
Emerald being the modern birthstone for the month of May, it is the more frequently turned jewelry for that purpose. Its name can be traced to Semitic origin through the word “izmargad” or the Sanskrit word “marakata,” which means “green,” pertaining to the gem’s color which may range from medium to dark green. It has a hardness rating of 7.5 on the Mohs Scale, but is not very resistant to breakage especially if with inclusions or surface fissures. It is often irradiated and oiled, because of this, to achieve clarity (no naked eye-visible inclusions). To clean emerald jewelry a soft, dry cloth must be used, sudden temperature changes must be avoided as well as hot, soapy water, household chemicals, and home ultrasonic jewelry machines and cleaners.
Emerald is used for emotional and physical healing as it is believed it can strengthen and soothe both aspects of the human body. Energy healers associate emerald often with the heart chakra. Some believe that it helps increase one’s flexibility and understanding so they add the gem to wedding rings, aside from the basis that the emerald is a symbol of fidelity and goodness. See more interesting facts about emerald.
Sapphire rings given in engagement express commitment and loyalty. The gem also represents sincerity, truth, and consistency; it is used by energy healers for clear thinking.
Kings used to wear sapphire-encrusted necklaces which they believe defended them against harm, the stones attracting divine favor and negating the wearer’s envy. Enjoy more fun sapphire facts.
Agate is an unusual stone, considered classy and earthy, but included as one of the May birthstones. Its common types include blue lace, moss, tree, and petrified wood. It is commonly turned into beads for pendants, necklaces or earrings. It has a hardness rating of 7.
Agate is believed to guard its wearer from danger, endowing him as well with boldness of heart which was the reason behind warriors using it on their armors to be victorious in battle. It is also said to ensure pleasant dreams and protect from nightmares, hence they are sometimes given to children. Moss agate is ideal for gardeners as it is believed to bond one with nature; tree agate is believed to help one with introspection.
Deceptive Techniques Used in Jewelry
Various deceptive techniques are used to alter the appearance of lesser value gemstones. Often these practices are intended to deceive the consumer. However, all of these techniques are considered legitimate if they are revealed to the buyer. Listed below are a few tricks that every jewelry consumer should be aware of:
Painting. Using paint or some other colored material underneath a gem to improve its color. For example, a speck of paint placed on one spot of the gemstone will reflect throughout the entire stone.
Foil Backing. Using foil behind gems adds brilliance to the stone. This technique is often found in jewelry with closed back settings. The use of foil was common and is often seen in antique jewelry.
Crackling. Cracking synthetic gems by applying thermal shock. This technique if often used on lab-made stone to create the flaws found on natural stones.
Assembled Stones. Two or more stones are glued together to form a bigger and better looking gem. Several types of composites can be made. Assembled opals are normally disclosed to the consumer and are not considered a deceptive practice. However, this technique is often used with Sapphire or Ruby to deceive the consumer.
It can be difficult to spot a fake stone. Your best defense is to buy jewelry from reputable jewelers. An honest establishment will always reveal to the consumer what treatments a gem has received. As a general rule, a buyer should avoid gems that have been set on a closed backing, unless the item in question is an antique.