Jewelry FAQ

You have asked the questions and we have provided the answers.

Why is 14K jewelry worth less than 18K gold jewelry?

Simply put, 14K gold isn't as pure at 18 karat gold. Gold purity is measured in karats, 24 karats being pure gold. 18 karat gold is 75% pure - the rest being made up of alloys, 14 karat gold is 58% pure, etc.

What makes white gold white and what is it?

Pure gold is too soft for use in jewelry, so it is usually mixed with other metals or "alloyed" to make it harder. White gold is produced from the mixing of gold, copper, palladium, and zinc. Various shades of yellow gold can be created from the mixing of gold, silver, copper, and small amounts of zinc.

What points stand out when viewing jewelry quality?

Unique care is required by some gemstones; however there are certain basic guidelines and characteristics that finely crafted jewelry have in common, regardless of the manufacturing method that was used to produce them. The jewelry shouldn't have any pits, bumps, scratches or holes. All parts of the jewelry should have a smooth finish. If the surface of the jewelry is supposed to be brushed or have a matte finish, it should also be smooth and uniform. The shine should resemble a mirror on every surface if it is polished.

Why do pieces of jewelry that look nearly the same differ so much in price?

Several features can affect the value of gold jewelry. One-of-a-kind designer jewelry can be very costly. Different finishes can alter the value, such as matte or sandblasted. Also, heavier pieces can be more costly than lighter ones, as gold is often sold by weight.

What is the most appropriate way to clean my jewelry?

If you take proper care of your jewelry, it can remain looking new. Remove your jewelry at night and put it in a safe place where several pieces will not rub against each other. Also, avoid contact of your jewelry with substances such as perfume, bleach, cosmetics, soap, hairsprays, etc.

Gold jewelry may be cleaned in a bowl of water containing any mild liquid detergent. Use a soft brush to create a lather around the jewelry. Rinse the piece off - not over the drain, in a metal or plastic strainer. Dry your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. More guidelines to cleaning your jewelry can be found in our jewelry care section.

Do you offer 9 karat jewelry?

We do not offer 9 karat jewelry since it does not adhere fully to the United States Government gold standards. More specifically, U.S. standards stipulate that no jewelry less than 10 karat is to be imported and sold in the U.S. Any jewelry 9 karat or less is no longer recognized by the U.S. as solid gold.