Everything that Glitters is Gold

Gold in its purest form, 24-Karat, is a soft and pliable metal. The malleability and softness of pure gold make it virtually useless for wearable jewelry. In order to make gold jewelry that is durable and long lasting, it is combined with other metals called alloys. Jewelers use the technique of alloying with other metals such as silver, copper and zinc. This process makes the gold harder and stronger, giving it durability and wear resistance in day to day activities. In an attempt to achieve the best balance between the strength of alloys and the valuable and desirable properties of gold, three different karat gold combinations have become standard: 18-Karat, 14-Karat, and 10-Karat.

18-Karat Gold

The content of 18-Karat gold is 75% gold and 25% alloy. 18K gold is the softest and purest of these three karat golds, and it is also the most expensive because of its high gold content. Higher-end jewelry where a richer yellow color is desired is typically made in 18K gold. It is the most resistant to tarnishing of the three golds, and although it is the softest, it is still hard enough to be used for fine jewelry.18K gold will show wear marks sooner and wear out slightly faster than 14K and 10K gold , but it is still the preferred choice of those wanting something finer.

14-Karat Gold

The content of 14-Karat gold is 58.3% go

ld and 41.7% alloy. Due to the higher amount of alloy, 14K gold is therefore harder and stronger than 18K. It still has a good yellow color for those wanting fine jewelry at a more reasonable price.

10-Karat Gold

The content of 10-Karat gold is 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy. 10K gold is the only karat gold that contains more alloy than gold. It is the least pure and therefore the least expensive of the three golds. 10K gold is the preferred metal for class rings and other jewelry pieces where a lower cost is desired. 10K yellow gold is slightly paler in color, and will tarnish more quickly than 18K and 14K gold jewelry. 10K gold is generally considered to be harder than 14K; but there is much unresolved discussion within the jewelry industry about whether or not it actually wears longer than 14K.

Many manufacturers are now using international gold marks to show the purity of their jewelry items. In these cases, the fineness of the precious metal content is expressed in parts-per-thousand. This marking system, universally recognized, is actually more accurate. We have listed the applicable marks here along with their corresponding karat marks:

• 24K = .999
• 18K = .750
• 14K = .585
• 10K = .417

Yellow Gold

Whereas most other pure metals are gray or silvery white, pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster that is traditionally considered attractive. High quality pure metallic gold is tasteless and scentless. Chemically, it is unaffected by air, moisture and most corrosive agents, and is therefore well suited for use in jewelry.

White Gold

White gold is not a true white metal like platinum, palladium or silver. It is made by alloying pure yellow gold with other white metals like zinc and nickel to change its color to white. As a result, it usually has a slight yellowish tint. To enhance the whiteness of white gold jewelry, it has become a standard practice in the jewelry industry to cover or plate with another precious metal called rhodium. Rhodium is very white and reflective. It is extremely hard and virtually tarnish-free. However, rhodium coatings wear off gradually. It can be re-plated with rhodium, sometimes as often as within 6 months for rings worn every day, or as seldom as every 5 years.

Pink and Rose Gold

These Karat golds are combined with high copper-content alloys and have similar properties. They were very popular in the latter half of the 19th century and the earlier part of the 20th century, and are now enjoying resurgence in popularity, especially with the introduction of colored diamonds. The high copper addition is usually at the expense of silver, giving a warm hue that compliments certain gemstones and skin tones.

Mini-pendants are a fashion trend that can’t be stopped. The reason these small sized pendants are so popular may be due to the opportunity its owner has to wear a meaningful motif close to their heart.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to expressing yourself! Hearts are always popular motifs, as are initials and disks engraved with meaningful words or messages. Whimsical designs are also popular.

These mini-pendants are not only fun, but very versatile in how they are worn. Sometimes these mini pendant necklaces are pictured worn in a small cluster of nearly identical lengths. For an alternate look, wear delicate pendant necklaces in multiples at staggered lengths so that each of the pendants is visible.

Also, a similarly delicate necklace of a different style can be included in the mix. Mini-pendants on delicate chains feel light and are easy to wear any time of day.

You are sure to find your inner voice as you browse our large selection of trendy mini-pendants at www.JRJewelers.com.

So have fun, be creative and speak your mind!

Origins of Gilding

The Egyptians may have been the first to practice gilding wood and metals, as many such objects have been excavated. Various Ancient Greek statues of great prestige were made of gold-plated wood for the clothing, and ivory for the flesh; most famously those of Zeus in Olympia and Athena Parthenos in the Parthenon. Extensive ornamental gilding was also used in the ceiling coffers in Rome, when the Romans began to gild the ceilings of their temples and palaces. Traces of gold leaf used in ancient gilding still remains brilliant and solid in many dwellings and artwork today.

The medieval Chinese developed the gilding of porcelain, which was later taken up by the French and other European potters.

Goldbeating

Goldbeating is the process of hammering gold into an extremely thin unbroken sheet for use in gilding. A gold nugget of 5 mm in diameter can be expanded through hammering into a gold foil of about 0.5 square meters.

Thousands of years ago, Egyptian artisans recognized the extraordinary durability and malleability of gold and became the first goldbeaters and gilders. They pounded gold using a round stone to create the thinnest leaf possible. Except for the introduction of a cast iron hammer and a few other innovations, the tools and techniques have remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.

After an extensive process of goldbeating is complete, the finished leaf forms an unbroken sheet of gold with a thickness of 1/250,000 of an inch. Each leaf is cut into a three and three-eighth inch square and packaged in tissue-paper books containing twenty-five leaves.

Gold-Leafing/Gilding

The term gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold. A gilded object is described as “gilt”. Parcel-gilt objects are only gilded over part of their surfaces. This may mean that the entire inside, and none of the outside, of a chalice or similar vessel is gilded, or that patterns or images may be gilded onto an object.

Today, gold leaf is not a commonly accepted style of art, although it is still being applied as a dramatic artistic approach to decorating. These days, one can notice gold leaf applied in upscale hotels and luxury venues; whether it is part of the décor in a theater or a fancy ballroom. Gold leaf is most commonly found in frames that are used to display works of art or in luxury artifacts or pieces of furniture. Gold leafing continues to captivate people with its special soft luster, which resembles solid gold. It has been used for decorating all over the world since ancient times and certainly will do so for many more years.

First of all you have to choose the material, which will make it easier for you to choose the model. Only after you’ve decided what kind of material you want, start looking for some certain thing. Don’t forget to consider your style issues before purchasing a certain thing.

Source: www.mccoyjewelers.com

The most fashionable today is definitely silver jewelry. If you prefer gold jewelry, you should choose white gold. Silver is so popular because it goes perfectly with almost any other material. Moreover, it is less noticeable and helps to create bohemian style, which is very fashionable for this moment. If you want to be really trendy, choose bracelets and necklaces that are made of silver and gems. Such combination is on top.

It is very easy to match silver and gems with any style, for you may choose gems of various colors and types, so it would match the coloring of your wardrobe. You don’t have to purchase a whole complex of jewelry (usually consist of ring, earrings, necklace and bracelet), because such peaces goes together perfectly even if they are different.

Another popular type is surely diamond jewelry. It’s very elegant and creates an image of luxury, so you should prefer appropriate style if you want to wear accessory made of diamond. Diamond is used together with metal. Silver, platinum or white gold incrassated with diamond is the ultimate choice if you want to look really trendy.

You may purchase any size jewelry peace if it’s made of material that creates illusion of lightness. The illusion is usually achieved by using small peaces of material instead of big. For those who don’t like metal, jewelry fashion designers offer accessory made of such materials as stone, pearls, felted wool, wood or even bone. Just like with all materials you have to be very careful while choosing one of those. The benefit of such jewelry is that you’ll surely look very original and fashionable.

No matter what material or color you choose, the most important thing is that jewelry must serve as a fulfillment of your style. While choosing your accessory, the first thing you should consider is whether the jewelry will serve its function and match perfectly with your clothing and its coloring. However, don’t ever purchase the thing you don’t like.

Source: The Jewelry Fashion Trends for 2010

Our medical ID gold bracelets are completely engravable with essential and potentially life-saving information. These beautiful pieces are specifically designed as medical jewelry for any occasion, including in the day to day life activities or swimming, exercising, playing sports, for nights on the town, whatever other mood may strike!

Medical professionals are trained to look for a medical bracelet that will communicate essential medical information including your name, food or other allergies,  current prescribed medications, etc.

Here’s the life-savers we suggest:

You can find them at our shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida or on our online shop at www.JRJewelers.com, browse or make a quick search.

We have tried to include some of our most special pieces on Mother’s Day and have added a few of our own Mother’s Day ideas. Keep enjoying…

14kt Gold Diamond Pendant

14kt Gold diamond Ribbon pendant

Diamond Pendant

Diamond Heart Pendant

Diamond Huggie Earrings

Diamond Huggie Style Earrings

Diamond Stiletto Earrings

Yellow and white Gold Diamond Earrings

Color: Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. For settings in yellow gold warm colored diamonds (K-Z) are desirable and for settings in platinum, palladium or white gold icy winter whites (D-J) look their best. It is difficult to see the difference between two close shades of white. Therefore, colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. Truly colorless stones, graded D, are treasured for their rarity. Color, however, ultimately comes down to personal taste.

Carat: Refers to the standard measurement of a diamond weight.

It is important you do not confuse a gemstone’s carat with gold karats. Although the pronunciation of the two words is the same, the meaning and the writing is different. While “carat” is used when referring to a gems weight, karats are pointing to the gold purity in gold alloys. Also people often confuse carats with size even though it is actually a measure of weight.

• 1 carat = 200 milligrams
• a 0.75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond
• a 1.00 carat diamond does not cost exactly twice the price of a half-carat diamond because larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature which makes them rare.

Clarity: Refers to the clarity of a diamond.

Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. A magnifying loupe allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond and the very few flawless diamonds found in nature are very valuable. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. The clarity scale, ranging from FL (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.

Cut: Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.

Cut is very important in the evaluation of a diamond because only well-cut stones will produce the perfect luster and beauty. Physics help the experimented cutters to get the best from a rough diamond, to add light to it and to avoid the dull appearance. Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire, thereby being more sought after than deep or shallow-cut diamonds.

Note: Cost and Certification are two additional but lesser known C’s that can greatly impact your search for the right diamond.

For more Jewelry Education visit our JRJewelers.com

In America and Europe gold jewelry is made from gold alloy and the purity of this alloy is stated in Karats. By definition, the karat system is used to reveal the amount of pure gold found in an item.

• 24 karat (24K) gold is pure gold.
• 18 karat (18K) gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts another metal or metals, making it 75% gold.
• 14 karat (14K) gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts another metal or metals, making it 58.3% gold.
• 10 karat (10K) gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts another metal or metals, making it 41.7% gold. 10k gold is the minimum karat designation that can still be called gold in the US.

Karat Value Definitions:

• Karat System: A system of measurement based on 24 karats being “fine” or “pure” gold. 1 karat equals 1/24th fine gold by weight. This is the system used in the United States.
• Plumb Gold: Karat weights are usually determined with a small, fractional variance allowed. Karat gold which has no variance and is exactly the precise fractional karat weight is called “plumb” gold.
• European System: A system of measurement based on a fraction of 1,000; or the number of grams of gold in 1 kilogram of alloy.

Gold in its pure state:

• Has a melting point of 1945 degrees Fahrenheit (1063 degrees Celsius). When alloyed (chemically combined) with other base metals the melting temperature of the resulting alloy is changed. 18K yellow gold has a melting point of 1675 degrees Fahrenheit and 14K yellow gold has a melting point of about 1550 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Has a specific gravity of 19.33. It is relatively heavy compared to most metals, such as silver (SG 10.7) or iron (SG 7.8). A notable exception is platinum (SG 21.4).
• Is more malleable than any other metal and can be hammered into foil so thin that it is almost transparent.
• Has a unique ductility property allowing it to be drawn into wire so fine it can barely be seen.
• Is deep yellow in color. Its great reflectivity properties help keep its brightness and color from fading with time.
• Will not rust, tarnish or corrode. Gold jewelry recovered from ancient Egyptian tombs is in the same state as when placed there over 4000 years ago.
• Is softer than most other metals. On the Mohs scale of hardness (which is a measure of a gemstone or mineral’s resistance to scratching), gold has a hardness value of 2 to 2.5. Diamond has a value of 10. Pure gold may easily be scratched. Fortunately, gold becomes harder when alloyed with other base metals.
• Is relatively scarce and therefore expensive. It is estimated that only 125,000 tons of gold have been mined the world over since the beginning of time.
• Is able to bond with other base metals. This property gives rise to the many different colors available in modern gold alloys.