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Jewelry TrendsChandelier EarringsAbout JewelryMetals 101 | What do the Labels Mean? Why Is Product Weight Important? Make Sure You Know What You're Getting Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry BirthstonesAbout GemsTiger's EyeTurquoise
Carnelian
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Gold Product |
% Gold |
% Other Metals |
|
10kt gold |
42% |
58% |
|
14kt gold |
58% |
42% |
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18kt gold |
75% |
25% |
|
22kt gold |
92% |
8% |
So what does silver or gold plated and silver and gold tone mean? These metals are blended to achieve a color, not a metal purity like sterling or 14kt gold. Silver or gold plated metal may be covered to a certain thickness with one of these precious metals, but underneath, the product has an unknown composition. This coating may also come off, completely changing the look of the jewelry. Silver or gold tone products are blended with whatever metals will achieve the desired color.
Precious metals (sterling silver and 14kt gold) are naturally lightweight. Look-alikes can be, and usually are, much heavier. Because there are no guidelines for look-alikes, these metals may contain elements that are irritating to your skin. If you find your ears are sensitive, try wearing only precious metal or nickel free earwire.
All tre•sis handmade jewelry earwire is sterling silver, nickel free, or 14kt gold (or higher) metals.
> A rule of thumb is to only wear earrings you can not feel as you wear them
Necklaces may be heavier because they use more gemstones. Gemstone weight varies by variety. Heavier gemstones can be combined with lighter ones to reduce the weight of the overall design. The necklace design should account for weight by incorporating the right size clasp. A small, lightweight clasp on a heavy necklace adds additional stress to the fixtures attached to the clasp. The more the necklace is handled, the more likely it will break.
> Hold the necklace in your hand at the clasp. Does it seem sturdy?
As you shop for jewelry, keep these tips in mind.
Make
Sure You
Know
What You're
Getting
Faux, synthetic, simulated
What’s the difference?
Not much. They all imply the product is designed to look like something it
isn’t. Common examples are faux or simulated turquoise and synthetic
leather or leather like.
For people with metal sensitivity (see
Precious Gems - Sensitive Ears), knowing
the type of metal your jewelry is made of is vital.
Silver tone and gold tone have the color of silver and gold. These are made
from any number of metal types and are coated with another metal that has
these colors. A common outcome is that the coating begins to wear off. That
makes the product unusable (not to mention unattractive). Some earrings may
have sterling silver or 14kt gold posts, but the rest of the metal is
silver or gold tone.
If you’re looking at products from a company you’re not familiar with,
check the label on the earring card. Most will state whether it has
precious metal (examples - 14kt gold or sterling silver). If it isn’t
labeled, you can’t always tell by the price. Some products with simulated
or synthetic components cost more than the genuine article. When shopping
for necklaces, recognize that some are labeled as to what type of metal or
gemstone it’s made of and some are not. As you shop for genuine gemstone
jewelry and precious metal, you will begin to recognize their
characteristics. Again, knowing the designer/store along with the types of
products they create/carry will keep you from being unpleasantly surprised.
If jewelry is worn regularly, it will generally not tarnish. The oils in the skin and the act of handling the jewelry keep it shiny longer. To help prevent tarnish, store in a plastic bag with anti tarnish paper.
Once silver
begins to tarnish, how do you clean it?
To keep your jewelry clean, use a mild dishwashing liquid
diluted with water. Wipe in a lengthwise motion with a soft, cotton
cloth. Circular pressure can cause marks, as silver is soft and scratches
easily. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
If the tarnish has progressed past the initial yellow tinge
and becomes darker, you may need to use a silver cleaning solution. There
are many dip silver cleaners on the market that do a nice job of removing
the dark stain of tarnish, HOWEVER, tre·sis jewelry is a combination of
sterling silver and gemstones. Silver cleaners are not designed to be used
with gemstones. Dipping your gemstone jewelry into these cleaners can
completely change the color and luster of gemstones.
It’s best to use a silver cleaning cloth and wipe the silver portion of your jewelry using a lengthwise motion. It takes a little longer, but it’s worth the trouble to preserve your jewelry. You may also use a silver cleaning paste. Wipe with a soft cloth and rinse/dry thoroughly.
Other Tips:
Store in a plastic bag to keep free from exposure to air
Do not store on wood surfaces; wood contains acids that may damage silver jewelry
Do not have place silver jewelry in contact with other metals
To avoid scratching, keep jewelry from harsh surfaces
To keep tarnish at a minimum, wear your jewelry!
If you enjoy wearing colorful earrings that match your clothing, you have probably worn jewelry made with base metal (metals that are not specifically identified on the product’s packaging). To make metal suitable for use in jewelry making, it is mixed with a variety of alloys for strength and color. Although fashionable, these earrings have been known to irritate the ears of many women. Have you gotten used to wearing earrings for only a short time to alleviate irritation on your earlobes? We’re here to change your expectation of what wearing earrings should be.
A very common source of metal sensitivity is nickel. There are other possible sources of metal sensitivity, but nickel is by far the most common culprit. Many of our customers have found a solution to their sensitive ear problems by using our nickel free earwire. Since you can choose nickel free earwire for any pair of earrings, don’t give up wearing colorful earrings until you try ours!
For more information on metal allergies or sensitive ears, check with your doctor or one of the medical websites.
Some names you may have heard of include grossular garnet (green), tsavorite (deeper green – favored by Russian tsars), and mandarin garnet (deep orange). Although the name is probably not familiar, almandine is the deep red/violet color most people associate with garnet.
History
The name is derived from the Latin word granatum (pomegranate) referencing garnet’s color and seed-like crystal formation.
Where is it Mined?
Garnets are found in India, Siberia, U.S. (AZ, NC), Africa (Madagascar, South Africa, Mozambique, and Tanzania), South America (Argentina and Brazil), Australia, Asia (Thailand and Burma), Scotland, and Switzerland.
Popular Uses
Garnet is the birthstone for January and the anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.
Amethyst, also
known as purple quartz, is the most popular gemstone used in jewelry.
As the
most prized form of quartz, amethyst is found in many parts of the world.
Its availability is the reason it is generally affordable. Although
found globally, the quality of amethyst differs by the location of its
mine. Amethyst's color ranges from deep purple to lilac.
History
The Greek word "amethystos" can be translated as "not drunken." Amethyst was considered to be an antidote against drunkenness, so wine goblets were often carved from it. Purple has long been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that amethyst has been in demand throughout history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also enjoyed by Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty.
Where is it Mined?
Amethyst is mined in South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina - larger gems and lighter hues of purple), Europe (Italy and Germany - pale hues), North America (US - ME, PA, CO, NC - various colors; Canada (Thunder Bay) - contains red inclusion), as well as Africa (Zambia and Namibia - smaller stones with deeper color). African amethyst is generally clearer and a deeper shade of purple, which is more prized.
Popular Uses
Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
Interesting Facts
Aquamarine is the state gem of Colorado.
Ever wondered what that bright, lime green gemstone is called? It’s peridot.
The color ranges from light yellowish green to a deep olive green. Peridot
is the gem form of the mineral olivine.
History
Peridot was mined in ancient Egypt on an island called Zeberget. Mining was
done at night because, according to legend, peridot could not be easily
seen during the day. The Romans called peridot "evening emerald," since its
green color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight.
How is it Formed?
Peridot is formed by volcanic action. Crystals are sometimes combed from
Hawaiian sands. The island of Oahu has beaches that contain small olivine
grains. Small crystals of peridot are often found in the rocks created by
volcanoes and can be found in meteors that fall to earth.
Where is it Mined?
Although most peridot is mined in Arizona on the San Carlos Reservation, it
can also be found in Myanmar (formerly Burma), China, and Sri Lanka.
In 1994, a new deposit of peridot was discovered in Pakistan. This mine is
located in the Himalayan Mountains in the Pakistani part of Kashmir.
Care
for Peridot
Protect your peridot jewelry from scratches, hard blows, household
chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine for cleaning.
Due to lime green’s popularity in fashion, peridot has seen increased
interest over the past few years and should continue to be popular year
round.
Found in Brazil, citrine is a translucent gemstone and is part of the quartz family. It derives its name from "citron," the French word for “yellow”. When mined, citrine is originally amethyst. The variety of colors attributed to citrine is a result of iron present in the quartz material as well as heat added to the stone. Subjecting amethyst to heat will reduce the oxidation state of the iron causing amethyst's purple color to fade creating yellow to reddish-orange hues. The color created varies depending on the amount of heat added and iron already present.
The color range makes it a very popular gemstone for all seasons. It works well with spring and summer yellows/golds, as well as earthy browns for fall and winter.
Like many gemstones, citrine can be scratched. Avoid heat and sharp objects that may damage the stone.
tre·sis has many items in the luxure and colure collections featuring citrine. Use the search window to find them.
Enhancements
Tiger Eye is often heat treated to achieve its rich color.
Care for Tiger’s Eye
As with all gems, protect tiger’s eye from scratches and sharp blows. Avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car).
Where is it mined?
Tiger’s Eye is mined in South Africa, Australia, India, Namibia, and Burma.
Interesting Facts
Tiger's Eye is the anniversary gemstone for the 9th year of marriage.
Compared to many gems, Turquoise is fairly soft which means it may break or chip. Be careful not to hit it against hard objects.
Where is it mined?
Where is it mined?
Carnelian can be found in Uruguay, Brazil, and India. India is where the finest varieties of Carnelian is mined.
Enhancements
To produce its rich reddish brown color, Carnelian is may be heat treated and/or dyed.
Interesting Facts
Carnelian is considered to be July's birthstone to some (the traditional gem for July is Ruby).
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