Basic Jewelry Information
Jewelry & Gemstone Guide
Sterling Silver Jewelry
What Is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is one of the most popular precious metals used in jewelry. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, to improve strength and durability.
Because pure silver is naturally soft, sterling silver offers the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and everyday wearability. In the United States, jewelry must contain at least 92.5% silver to be legally marketed as sterling silver or .925 silver.
How Is Sterling Silver Finished?
Sterling silver jewelry may be finished in several ways:
Fine Silver Flashing – A thin layer of .999 fine silver is applied to create a bright, polished appearance.
Rhodium Plating – Provides extra shine and helps resist tarnishing.
Gold Plating – Adds the luxurious appearance of gold while maintaining the affordability of sterling silver.
Unplated Silver – Displays the natural beauty of sterling silver.
These finishing methods can also help reduce skin irritation and discoloration for sensitive wearers.
Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. Proper care will help maintain its beauty for years.
Recommended Care:
Polish regularly with a silver polishing cloth.
Clean occasionally using mild soap and warm water.
Dry thoroughly before storage.
Store in airtight bags or jewelry boxes.
Use silica gel packets to reduce humidity.
Avoid Exposure To:
Chlorine
Perfumes
Hair sprays
Cosmetics
Household chemicals
Prolonged direct sunlight
Early tarnish is easy to remove. Heavily tarnished jewelry may require professional cleaning.
Gold Jewelry Guide
What Is 14K Gold?
Pure gold is measured as 24 karat (24K) gold. Because pure gold is soft, it is commonly mixed with other metals to improve strength.
Common Gold Purities:
14K Gold: 58.3% pure gold
18K Gold: 75% pure gold
14K gold remains one of the most popular choices due to its balance of durability, value, and beauty.
What Is Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry contains a thick layer of real gold bonded to a base metal core.
Compared to gold-plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry contains significantly more gold and offers superior durability. The gold layer is designed to resist flaking, peeling, and wearing away.
Our gold-filled jewelry meets 14/20 Gold Fill standards, meaning:
The outer gold layer is 14K gold.
Gold accounts for 5% (1/20) of the total metal weight.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry features a layer of 14K gold applied over sterling silver or another base metal.
Benefits include:
Affordable luxury
Attractive gold appearance
Wide variety of styles
Fashion jewelry may use base metals beneath the gold plating unless otherwise specified.
Gemstone Guide
Gemstones have been treasured for centuries for their beauty, rarity, and symbolism. Whether natural, cultured, or laboratory-created, each gemstone possesses unique characteristics.
Popular Gemstones
Amber
A fossilized tree resin known for its warm golden and honey-colored tones.
Amethyst
A beautiful purple quartz prized for its rich color and affordability.
Black Onyx
A striking black gemstone often featured in both men's and women's jewelry.
Citrine
A vibrant yellow gemstone associated with warmth and positivity.
Coral
An organic gemstone formed from marine life, typically found in pink and red shades.
Emerald
One of the world's most valuable gemstones, admired for its rich green color.
Garnet
A deep red gemstone that pairs beautifully with sterling silver.
Jade
Highly valued throughout Asian culture and traditionally associated with luck and prosperity.
Jasper
A unique gemstone featuring natural patterns and earthy tones.
Lapis Lazuli
Known for its deep blue color accented by golden flecks.
Opal
Famous for its dazzling play of colors and iridescent beauty.
Peridot
A bright green gemstone often considered an affordable alternative to emerald.
Quartz Family
Includes many popular gemstones such as:
Rose Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Amethyst
Citrine
Ruby
A precious gemstone prized for its intense red color.
Sapphire
Most commonly blue, sapphire is one of the world's most beloved precious gemstones.
Tiger's Eye
A golden-brown gemstone known for its silky luster and distinctive striped appearance. Traditionally associated with confidence, focus, and protection.
Topaz
Available in many colors, with blue topaz being especially popular.
Turquoise
A vibrant blue-green gemstone strongly associated with Southwestern and Native American jewelry traditions.
Pearl & Shell Jewelry Guide
What Are Cultured Pearls?
Nearly all pearls used in jewelry today are cultured pearls. These pearls are produced with human assistance on pearl farms, where a small irritant is introduced into an oyster or mollusk.
Over time, layers of nacre form around the irritant, creating the pearl's beautiful luster.
Pearl cultivation can take anywhere from six months to three years depending on the pearl type and size.
Types of Pearls
Freshwater Pearls
Most affordable pearl variety
Available in many shapes and colors
Popular for everyday jewelry
Saltwater Pearls
Premium pearl varieties include:
Akoya Pearls
Tahitian Pearls
South Sea Pearls
These pearls are known for their exceptional luster, larger sizes, and distinctive colors.
What Is Mother of Pearl?
Mother of Pearl is the smooth, iridescent inner lining of pearl-producing shells. It is composed of the same nacre that forms pearls and is frequently used in fine jewelry and decorative designs.
Questions?
Need assistance selecting jewelry or learning more about gemstones?
Our knowledgeable customer service team is happy to help.
Call: 972-968-8168
