Gemstone 4C’s

While there are no official 4 C’s for grading colored gemstones, like there are with diamonds, many of the same principals apply. Following are the 4 C’s as they apply to colored gemstones:

Clarity

Clarity in most gemstones does not influence its value or beauty unless it breaks the surface or affects the integrity of the gemstone. In lighter colored stones, clarity may be more important than in darker stones that can mask imperfections.However, flawlessness in colored gems is even rarer than in diamonds.

The four flaws that occur in gemstones are fault, fissure, fracture and gas bubbles.

It is the type and location of a flaw that is more important than the fact that there is a flaw, since some flaws can affect the stone’s durability. Some stones are typically eye-clean such as topaz, while others are expected to have inclusions, such as emerald.

Citrine and Diamond Earrings

Aquamarine & Diamond Earrings

Amethyst Silver Dangle Earrings

Diamond and Amethyst Earrings

Color

Color has the greatest impact on value. The color should be pure, vibrant, even and fully saturated without being too dark or too light.

Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring

Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

Platinum Orange Sapphire Diamond Ring

Citrine and Diamond Ring

Cut

Cut affects the amount of brilliance the gemstone returns to the eye, the depth of color seen and the size of the stone. Well-cut gemstones will enhance the color of a stone, while poorly cut gemstones can turn out looking dead and lifeless.

Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant

Garnet and Diamond Pendant

Citrine and Diamond Pendant

Green Tourmaline Pendant

Carat

Carat weight determines value in two ways. First, the carat weight multiplied by the price per carat equals the total price for the stone. Second, the rarity of the size of stone compared to the normal size found will affect price.

Amethyst & Diamond Ring

14Kt White Gold Amethyst Ring

Amethyst and Diamond Ring

Modern Amethyst & Diamond Ring

Enhancements

Many gemstones have historically and traditionally been enhanced before bringing them to the customer. Most enhancements have been around for a very long time, some for hundreds of years or longer. The result is an improvement of nature’s beauty. It makes gems available and more affordable. Most of these enhancements are stable and no special care is required.

Gems that are not usually treated include alexandrite, black star sapphire, cat’s eye chrysoberyl, garnets, hematite, iolite, moonstone, peridot, spinel and chalcedonies such as bloodstone, fire agate, onyx and sardonyx.

Gemstone Ring

Grape Garnet Ring

Peridot Pave Diamond Ring

Gray Moonstone Diamond Ring

Hardness vs. Toughness

Hardness describes a material’s resistance to scratching. Mineral hardness is measured using the Mohs’ scale. The higher the number, the harder the mineral is to scratch. The scale goes up incrementally from 1 until it reaches 9. The difference from 9 to 10 is greater than the difference from 1 to 9. For example, a diamond, which is a 10, is 100 times harder than a sapphire or ruby, which receives a 9 hardness.

Toughness refers to how easily a gemstone will chip, crack or cleave. Ratings range from poor to excellent. An emerald receives a poor toughness due to internal fractures, which make emeralds prone to chipping and cracking. However, rubies and sapphires receive very good to excellent ratings.

There are a few different options to consider when insuring your jewelry. Some options you have may include using your homeowners or renters insurance or attaining a separate insurance policy to specifically cover jewelry items.

Renter’s and Homeowner’s Insurance Policies

Renter’s and homeowner’s insurance policies set limits for the loss of certain categories of personal property, including jewelry. Homeowner’s policies typically pay a maximum of $1,000 for jewelry theft. A renter’s insurance policy might have a lower limit for jewelry loss, commonly $500. Another aspect to consider is that most policies also have deductibles of $250 or $500, which is first applied to an insurance loss.

You might be surprised to learn that many renter’s and homeowner’s insurance policies only cover jewelry loss as a result of theft and do not provide coverage for lost or damaged jewelry items. It is important to read your policy carefully and ask your insurance agent to clarify the types of losses that are covered on your standard policy.

Additional Jewelry Insurance

You can usually purchase additional or separate insurance for your jewelry through your homeowner’s and renter’s insurance, called a policy “rider”. Be sure to ask your agent questions so that you have a good understanding of the coverage. Some questions that may be helpful are included below:

• Is there a deductible? If so, how much is it and how does raising or lowering the deductible affect my policy costs?
• Is an appraisal required prior to obtaining insurance? Are there only certain types of appraisers whose reports are accepted?
• Are the items covered no matter where the loss takes place? Would the policy cover me for a loss that occurs during domestic or international travel?
• Are items covered for full replacement cost? Must I replace the item, or can I obtain cash settlement?
• Does the policy cover repairs to damaged jewelry?

The rider is usually covered by a separate deductible that only applies to a loss of this kind of personal property, and it customarily covers for any type of loss!

Private Jewelry Insurance Options

The Chubb Group
The Chubb Group provides insurance specifically for jewelry. They offer policies through independent insurance agents and jewelry retailers.

Chubb’s jewelry policy guidelines are detailed below:

• Full coverage for the itemized amount shown on the policy
• No deductible
• Coverage applies worldwide for lost or stolen rings
• Replacement is not required, Chubb offers cash settlement. If you do replace the ring, you select the jeweler.

Chubb recommends an appraisal for all insured jewelry, but only requires an appraisal for items valued over $50,000. Chubb does not offer coverage for loose diamonds.

With a policy from Chubb, you can have the peace of mind to wear, use and enjoy your jewelry anywhere in the world. Your jewelry will be insured against most types of loss without a policy deductible.

Chubb provides some coverage for your new jewelry purchase, giving you time to contact your agent. And we make it easy by offering one of the most flexible appraisal requirements in the business.

Jeweler’s Mutual

Since 1913, Jewelers Mutual has been a leader in jewelry protection for jewelers across the country. They can protect your personal jewelry, frequently covering jewelry insurance claims that homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance doesn’t. The standard homeowner’s policy provides only limited jewelry protection, often excluding breakage or loss.

Jeweler’s Mutual offers personal jewelry insurance that covers both repair and replacement. The policy is not available for unset stones, damaged items, or antique jewelry. An appraisal is required for coverage.

You may either insure your jewelry for full value with no deductible, or you may elect a deductible of up to $500, that will lower the annual premium by as much as 14%!

Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance provides coverage for:

• Jewelry damage
• Jewelry loss
• Jewelry theft
• Mysterious disappearance

Jeweler’s Mutual insurance policy offers jewelry protection with no deductible, unless you choose one, so if you experience jewelry damage or loss, you won’t have to pay out of your own pocket.

They offer jewelry repair or replacement for your lost or damaged jewelry with items of same kind and quality, returning you to the same position that you were in before the loss.

Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies force policyholders to use impersonal jewelry replacement companies for jewelry repairs and replacements or to obtain several estimates to cover their personal jewelry damage or loss.

With Jeweler’s Mutual jewelry insurance, when you experience jewelry damage or loss on a piece covered by your policy, you’ll be able to work with a jeweler of your choosing. With Jeweler’s Mutual, you will only be required to attain one estimate, as opposed to other companies that require you to get several estimates.

When determining whether to insure your jewelry, you may want to consider that according to the U.S. Department of Justice; nearly $1 billion worth of jewelry is stolen each year. You can protect yourself from this risk with an insurance policy and have peace of mind knowing your jewelry’s value will be reconciled to you.

Why sterling silver jewelry?

• Because it’s modern and it costs “just a little less” than white gold or other precious metals.
• Our sterling silver jewelry is modern, casual, hot, even extravagant.
• The JR Jewelers silver jewelry is designer made; we have splendid sterling silver jewelry pieces from Breuning and Thistle & Bee.
• It can be the perfect gift for you mom, wife or girlfriend.

Have a look at just a couple of the sterling silver jewelry available on site:

Sterling Silver Spiral Necklace

Sterling Silver Pearl & Diamond Earrings

Sterling Silver Earrings

Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet

Silver Hammered Domed Ring

Rose Accent & Sterling Silver Necklace

Green Quartz Sterling Silver Ring

White Topaz Sterling Silver & Rose Accent Earrings

Visit our Sterling Silver Jewelry collection for more products.

For those who are searching for a jewelry store which will provide personalized service, you may want to buy the diamond engagement ring for your loved one at a small jewelry store. These jewelry boutiques are often run by the individual owner who will do everything possible to make your engagement ring shopping trip spectacular.

2. We guarantee our diamonds are conflict free

Read about JR Jewelers Conflict Diamond Statement

3. We provide luxury presentation caskets

At J.R. Jewelers we believe that presentation is very important. Therefore, we provide a beautiful gift box with every purchase, free of charge, in order to properly display the merchandise you have purchased.

Presentation jewelry boxes

As a service to you, we also offer free gift wrapping on all orders no matter what the occasion. All you have to do is check the box for free gift wrapping at the time of placing your order so we will know that this is a service you would like.

4. Competitive pricing

Our pricing offer is competitive. We always try to stay updated on industry trends so you can plan accordingly. JR Jewelers offers you honest value every day.

5. Attention to detail

At J.R. Jewelers we make the best of your jewelry. We insure that your engagement ring, favorite bracelet or precious earrings are always looking their best. With our Cleaning, Polishing, and Jewelry Restoration you will have them brilliant and rejuvenated in no time.

JR Jewelers Hand-Engraving service (requires minimum of 10 days) you can give a personal touch to your gift or maybe engrave the date of the memorable day when you said: “I do”.

6. The design you always dreamed of

If you don’t see what you want, one of JR Jewelers experienced jewelers can find it for you. You will be advised and kindly guided trough designer’s catalogs from one of our jewelry suppliers and it can be special ordered for you. It’s up to you, with the help of JR Jewelers.

7. Designer jewelry

Our designer catalogs include collections from ArtCarved Bridal, Breuning, Dora Rings, House of Baguettes, Parade Design, Ramon of Spain, Triton, Alisa, Cordova Design, and Bridal Bells.

8. Jewelry for any age

JR Jewelers offers a large variety of jewelry from diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond bracelets, birthstone jewelry, religious jewelry to cufflinks and earrings.

9. 30 days Return

Read Our Return Policy

10. We Grow with You

As we get older, we sometimes get larger too. JR Jewelry will make sure your jewelry grows with you by resizing your rings and adding links to bracelets, necklaces, and watches. If you become very successful later in life, you may want to upgrade and engagement ring, without replacing it, by adding a match to your original center diamond and a lager center diamond between them. Your relationship with us will last a lifetime. In fact, for many families it has already stretched two generations.

There are only 10 days left ’till Christmas. Have you already decided on the presents?

For more presents this season, don’t forget to choose your free gifts when shopping at J.R. Jewelers. It is our way of thanking you for the continuous support throughout the year!

Merry Christmas – Wishing you a most memorable holiday season!

There are some things you should consider when you want to purchase a ring. Choosing the right engagement ring is strictly a matter of personal style.

The most simple engagement ring available on the jewelry market is called a solitaire and is a setting with a single stone. There are also multi-setting stone rings, side stone rings or baguettes. It is true that the price of such a jewel is a bit higher but it the ring is more individualized.

I will explain the two main parts of a typical engagement ring:

• The band (surrounds the finger)
• The setting (which holds the diamond)

The band must be firstly have the right size. If you are not shopping for yourself and want it to be a surprise, make sure you have the right ring size. The jeweler will help you buy the best fit if you have some clues about the size (secretly “borrow” a ring from your partner and take it to the jewelers to measure it or simply draw on a piece of paper the interior of a regularly worn ring).

The second thing you have to consider when choosing the band of the engagement ring is the material. The most common choices for engagement rings are white gold, yellow gold and platinum. Not only these materials look gorgeous when crafted into jewelry but they are also quite suitable for intensive wear (strength and durability). Remember also that platinum is hypoallergenic and will not irritate the skin.

Settings are usually made out of platinum (even on a gold ring) because of platinum’s characteristics.  It is a “hard” material and is the common choice in 4 or 6 prongs rings.  When it comes to choosing the number of prongs that sustain the stone on your ring you must know that 4 prongs rings will show off more of the diamond, and 6 prongs rings will hold the diamond much more securely.

There are also types of settings that do not use prongs.  Some settings use pressure to keep the diamond in place, and others form a “channel” where the diamond is inserted.  Again, your personal sense of style should guide you in selecting the setting.

When worn daily, gold, palladium and platinum will tend to look dull. Simply soak the ring in warm water and detergent-free soap, and scrubb it gently with a soft-bristled brush.

Note: The purity of platinum is measured by a 3-digit number.   If your band is marked “950 platinum”, the band is 95% platinum alloyed with 5% palladium or iridium. Read more also about the purity of gold.

The modern man is praised by Triton designer jewelry since they are all about the man of today. Giving a new and original look to mens’ jewelry, Triton has captured our attention by unconventional metal use for their creations and rugged elegance designs. The image Triton wants to project is dynamic, strong and modern.

Steel and black diamonds

Steel and black accents

Steel and titanium

Triton uses a wide range of metals, clearly suited for a man. Most of the jewelry is made of steel and another material like: gold, rubber, enamel, titanium, black diamonds and tungsten carbide.

Steel and black matte

Steel and diamond dot

Tungsten carbide and sterling silver bands

Stainless steel bands

Source: Triton Jewelry Design

We carry an extensive collection of engagement, bridal and anniversary rings in platinum, 18 Kt, and 14 Kt gold. We are still actively involved in buying and selling diamonds and fine jewelry. We have both received diplomas for completing courses offered by the Gemological Institute of America, are considered experts in the field of diamonds and other gems, and we strictly adhere to their principals of grading gemstones. We offer an inventory that conforms to the highest quality standards as fine jewelry. We believe that our integrity, as well as our concern over customer service, are key reasons for the success of our business.