Which metal is best?

The best metal varies on a case-by-case basis. The most cost-effective is the 18kt gold. If you are allergic to most metals, go with platinum.

What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium plating is necessary to achieve a bright white finish on white gold. White gold’s true color is off-white.

What is the difference between karat and carat?

Karat is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

What is a SYNTHETIC diamond or SYNTHETIC gemstone?

A synthetic diamond or gemstone has essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as its natural counterpart. The main difference is that one is grown in a lab in a matter of months or years, and the latter is formed deep inside the earth over the course of millions of years.

How should I maintain or care for my jewelry?
With reasonable care, your jewelry can be a lasting treasure.
Wash your jewelry with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush & clear gently on your jewelry.
Store your jewelry separately from each other as the metal may scratch the gemstone or pearl surfaces.
Take off your jewelry when performing household chores, gardening, and outdoor sports.
Never store pearls in a plastic bag. Plastic can emit a chemical that will damage the surface of pearls.
Jewelry can be damaged by many chemicals and all acids. Always apply perfume, hair products, and cosmetics before putting on your jewelry. Remember: when dressing, the jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.

Understanding Precious Metals – Platinum versus Gold
Platinum’s naturally white sheen will never fade or change color. PT950 Platinum is made up of 95% platinum and 5% other alloys. It is harder than gold and more scratch-resistant.
Gold is alloyed with a mixture of metals like silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to give it strength and durability. Karatage, denoted by a number followed by “k” indicates purity, or how much of the metal in a piece of jewelry is gold. Karatage is expressed in 24ths, making 24k gold – 100% gold. 18k gold – 75% gold, and 14k gold – 58.3% gold. Depending on its alloy, it comes in White gold, Rose Gold, and Yellow Gold.

Gold is tough and more malleable than platinum. It is also less costly and cheaper to maintain, fix, and re-polish.

Understanding Gemstones
Color, size, clarity, and the type of gemstone determines the rarity of the stone as well as its price. The highest quality gemstones are often deemed by the purity of their hue, the depth of tone, and the color saturation.
Treatment – In general, natural, untreated gemstones are more valuable than treated ones, comparing two gemstones with the same color. However, treatment is commonly used to enhance the color or appearance of the gemstone.
Heat treatment is more acceptable than other forms of treatment as other forms of treatment may damage the stone.

Understanding Pearls
Every pearl is unique in its color, luster, size, and shape. Some common varieties of pearls include:
Akoya pearl (white, cream with hints of pink/green, commonly 3-7mm)
Tahitian pearl (purple, green, grey, or blue, commonly 7-12mm)
South Sea pearl (silver, white and golden, commonly 8-16mm)
Freshwater pearls, cultured in lakes and ponds, with the widest variety of color, shapes, and sizes.