- Q. What is the best way to clean jewelry?
- A. The best and safest way is to use mild soapy water and dry it with a soft cloth. You can also clean diamond jewelry with an ammonia based cleaner mixed with warm water. There is never a need to use toothpaste on jewelry (it will even scratch some colored stones). It is also very important not to use any bleach or bleach based cleaners to clean any jewelry because it is too harsh and it will destroy gold jewelry.
- Q. Should I choose platinum or white gold?
- A. The choice of metal for your jewelry is a purely personal one but one that should be made only after educating yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Platinum is the most pure of all jewelry metals (90%-95% pure) meaning you get more metal for your money. Because of it's purity it is naturally white and hypoallergenic. White gold is not pure and can fade or change color. In addition, the alloys used in white gold can affect sensitive skin. Platinum is 35 times more rare than gold. There are only two sources of platinum in the world and it takes 10 tons of ore to produce one ounce of metal. So, if you chose platinum you will be wearing a very rare symbol of love. Platinum loses litte metal to everyday wear, gold wears down. The platinum ring you buy today will be the same ring on your 50th anniversary. Platinum is very dense, it feels significant and permanent to wear. If you chose platinum you should be aware of the unique patina of the metal. Since the metal doesn't wear off but rather is merely displaced when it scratches it develops a more dull, matte finish. The largest advantages to white gold are it's less expensive price tag and ability to hold a high polish longer.
- Q. What does a 1.00 carat diamond cost?
- A. The cost of a diamond is determined not only by it's size but also by the quality of that diamond. The most commonly accepted quality grading scale was established by The Gemological Institute of America and grades diamonds using the 4 C's: Cut, Carat Weight, Clarity, and Color. There is no set price for a 1.00 carat or any other size diamond.
- Q. What is an appraisal?
- A. An appraisal is an opinion as to the authenticity, quality, design and value of a piece of jewelry. Since it is an opinion, backed and supported by training, equipment and experience, it is important to understand that there can be honest variations between competent appraisals.