You see, to give money value to an item of jewelry is 90% or more of the work needed for an appraisal. The printed part is easy and often done with forms from a computer, with values from the previous inspection and evaluation typed in. If you want a value, this will mean appraisal. No store able to accurately valuate jewelry is going to guess and risk their reputation on a guess. A customer may leave the store with a "guess" and tell other that "the store" said the item was worth so much money. See what I am getting at?
This is a suggested approach which might help. Many jewelry stores will check the karat of metals for a reasonable fee. This is not an appraisal and no statement of value comes with it. I do not know of those who will grade diamonds and gemstones unless it is an appraisal since the grading is the largest part of appraisal work!
Still, it might be worth your time to call a few jewelers and simply ask if they will check the metal and how much is the fee. Ask if they will determine the weight, clarity and color of the stones, with no written appraisal. Tell them you do not want a dollar value, only the information mentioned. Some will be surprised to hear this question. Ask if they will do that and if the service will cost less than regular appraisal services. You might also explain the reasons, for the family essentially.
I suspect they will only provide appraisal services for the stones but should provide inexpensive service in telling the karats of metal items. The only way to know is to call and ask.
Have you examined the jewelry for stamps or marks showing karat? If the jewelry is from the Middle East then the marks will be unknown to most jewelers in the USA and the jewelry should be tested. If from European countries, most show karats by number marks. British jewelry uses symbols in many cases and numbers on more recent items with the added symbols from the regional assay offices.
10k gold is marked as shown or with the number 417. 14k is also shown as 585 18k is also shown as 700
Heavy electroplate, meaning the metal is not gold but has a heavy gold cladding contains the letters HGE.
Gold Filled, meaning there is a bonded layer of gold on a base (not precious) metal is marked in various numbers but always with a fraction and a GF. For instance, if the layer of gold is 12karat and is 1/12 by weight of the total piece, the mark is 1/12, 12k GF.
Sterling silver is marked "sterling" or 925, showing the silver content in the item.
Marks are often on clasps of bracelets and chains. On rings, the marks are on the inside. Sometimes magnification is needed to read the marks. If the jewelry has been worn a long, long time or a ring resized, the mark may be gone.
BUW, a greenish discoloration on a chain or on a ring generally means the ring is NOT gold. Copper and brass corrode with a green color. Gold will darken but does not show any green color. The metal testing should be inexpensive. Stone grading might require an appraisal charge; that is up to the jeweler.
About the Author
Victor Epand is the owner of http://www.JewerlyGift.biz, a huge online jewelry superstore featuring the greatest selection of jewelry including personalizable items. Clearance Sale items are here: http://www.jewelrygift.biz/collection/clearance-sales.html
Jumat, 25 Juli 2008
Authenticating Of Jewelry
Senin, 14 April 2008
What is 14k Gold & Why Is It Valued ?
The measure of karats, abbreviated as "k," expresses the level of purity in a piece of gold. The purest gold is 24k, but to understand the true meaning of karats, it 's best not to be mislead by the connotations of "purity." In other words, although the raw, pure gold is more valuable on the open market than less pure gold, it is extremely soft and malleable, making it essentially useless for jewelry and other applications. Because of this, in order to create the jewelry items that we love and give as gifts, pure gold must be mixed with harder materials, such as copper and silver, and brought to a state of balance.
This is why 14k gold has long been the most widely used gold for American jewelry; it strikes the perfect balance between versatility and purity. To create the perfect balance, pure gold is first melted, and then the melted gold is alloyed with smaller percentages of other precious metals, which take away neither from the gold 's shine, nor from its weight. Once the alloy has reached the perfect balance, the 14k gold is then ready to be shaped into jewelry and set with diamonds and gemstones. From beginning to end, the entire process requires great expertise and skill on the part of jewelry artisans, which is part of the reason why jewelry can be costly.
Historically, gold has always been valued, but jewelry technology hasn't always been able to produce the perfect, 14k purity we enjoy today. The metal, which is found throughout the world in river beds, alluvial deposits, and in underground concentrations, was first recognized for its unique qualities by the earliest human civilizations.
Indeed, throughout history, there has been almost no group of people that didn't appreciate gold and use it in some way. The Ancient Egyptians employed it for a variety of decorated uses, while the ancient Turkish kingdom of Lydia is said to be the source of the first gold coins, during the 7th century B.C. Later, gold provided the impetus for much colonialism and European expansion throughout the world, including the expeditions to America that lead to the formation of the United States.
It 's difficult to pin down the historical reasons for gold being favored over other precious metals, but undoubtedly its unique color and heavy weight spoke to early peoples as symbols of unique spiritual qualities. Few naturally occurring stones have such a distinctive and alluring color, which must have delighted early peoples, who had none of the understanding of chemistry and geology that we have today.
Since then, gold has taken on a variety of meanings, and to this day, its meanings continue to change. Most commonly, because of its value and preciousness, gold has been associated with royalty, wealth, luxury, and affluence -- for better or worse. Plus, because gold objects have always made great gifts and rewards, today gold awards are given to the top athletes at the Olympics, as well as to winners in a variety of other competitions, sporting and otherwise
Also, in the modern world, the durability and easy recognition of gold have given rise to the "gold standard," a fixed weight of gold that defines monetary values throughout the world, contributing to our ability to trade and have commerce with foreign countries. The gold standard not only relies upon gold for its measurement, but it also assures that gold will be the most important and sought-after precious metal for centuries to come.
As for the prominence and value of 14k gold in American jewelry -- the reasons are simple. No other precious metal is as versatile and beautiful as 14k gold. We don't even have to consider the history or the science of gold; 14k gold is simply a wonderful, lasting, and symbolic material, always perfect for gifts, and always pleasant to the eye and to the touch.
About the Author
Lulu Bells Treasures has been offering high quality 14k gold, sterling silver, diamond and gemstone jewelry online since 2003. Visit them today at http://www.lulubells.com to view their large selection of 14k gold jewelry and gifts. Use coupon code AM0807 for $10 off orders over $150.
Sabtu, 12 April 2008
Art Of Jewelry Making
There are some jewelry hobbyists that exhibit their creative edge and brilliant talent when making their own jewelry designs. It is a very rewarding experience that is made quite simple through Internet jewelry websites. These fine jewelry retailers maintain an inventory of jeweler tools, castings and ring mounting devices to let a jewelry making enthusiast explore all possibilities at a reasonable price.
With so many gem choices to pick from, creative jewelry craftsman have the opportunity to cut, polish and enjoy brilliant works of art in jewelry form that they can give as gifts to special people in their life. These jewelers are very knowledgeable of what it takes to create a diamond, and are skilled craftsman when it comes to cutting multi-faceted gemstones with exquisite precision.
It's hard to believe that an unattractive chunk of carbon could be crafted into something so beautiful. People love to wear these chunks of coal around their necks as pendants, and around their fingers as engagement rings to show the world they are truly loved.
Some jewelers like to explore all of the possibilities and keep an abundant amount of amethyst, citrine, aquamarine and garnets and other semi-precious gems on hand to fulfill custom orders that will add wonder and magic to someone's day.
Some people have a particular stone in mind when they come in to place their custom jewelry order. They get captured by the beauty of loose gemstones that they see in a highly lit display case and hand select several gemstones to be added to their order. These extra touches of color will make a truly special wearable jewelry item that is custom ordered in their favorite setting.
The shaping of gemstones is offered in at least 15 varieties and each will prominently display the refined tastes of the particular jewelry fancier. There are heart shapes that are typically ordered by star crossed lovers who enjoy a continual reminder of how they feel for each other. The marquise, rectangle, square and round shapes fill a more traditional shape that is found in most jewelry fashions on the market today.
For creating unusual and unique shaped jewelry pieces, jewelry enthusiasts might choose a trillion cut or perhaps a triangle cut that will turn a unadorned ring band with few possibilities into a work of art in very little time at all. The rectangular Octagonal and Cushion shapes make dramatic shaped gemstones gifts for the most astute jewelry wearer in your life.
Whether you prefer a ring setting that is basket shaped, or prefer bezels with baguettes running vertical and horizontal in a swirled and very ornate jewelry creation, there are certainly many opportunities to display your favorite gemstones in exquisite styles that fit your personality.
Many people bring in their older jewelry pieces to have them remounted into exquisite settings that give new life and satisfaction to an old ring arrangement that they are no longer comfortable with. Gems such as diamonds and rubies are collectible items that families pass down as heirloom items that the entire family can enjoy with a little work by a skilled jewelry craftsman.
About the Author
Mary Lorainne writes about AdjustableRing Online Proposal and CabochonParcel Coupon
Advice For Buying Fine Jewelry
A bench jeweler is responsible for repairs on customer jewelry. They have gemological training but are a bit out of date on pricing, etc.
First of all, consider the term "chips". Folks often speak of little diamonds as being chips when in fact most are cut diamonds. Modern production methods almost require fairly consistent diamond shapes for quick stone setting and chips are not the ticket for that!
Bench jewelers routinely set very small stones from perhaps 1/2 point upward. A diamond of 1/2 point is 0.005 carats. In comparison, a pair of earrings with a total weight of 80 points would need 40 points per earring. If using 1/2 pointers, that would be 80 diamonds per earring! Yes, even the 1/2 point stones are cut, not chips. More than likely, earrings like you mentioned would use stones of 1 point or 2 points. This would mean 40 stones or 20 per earring.
Small diamonds set in pave or with many stones together as in earring with many diamonds are quality graded.
The cut is apparently not so critical as color and clarity. You have likely seen diamonds with a white look? These stone have no reflection from inside the stone and only sparkle from the surface faces cut on the stones. These stones have a very, very low clarity grade. Then again, the diamonds may have plenty of sparkle from within the stones, light reflected from the inside of the stones with the facets (cut faces) on the back reflecting the light back to your eye.
This is what you want. Decent clarity is needed and I suggest stones of the SI to I1 grade. In small stones, I1 is fine generally and dark spots are not really seen. Still, look for good return of light from within the diamonds. Some better earrings have higher clarity stones and the earrings will look slightly more brilliant.
Ask if they have any idea of the clarity of the diamonds.
Color is important. Often, to gain clarity and use stone relatively free of dark spots, manufacturers will use a stone of lower color grade. This means the earrings may have well selected fairly clean stones of a brownish or yellowish color. At first, you do not see this color but it is apparent when held next to diamonds of a higher (so called "whiter" or less colored) grade.
If the stones have a slight tinge of brown or yellowish, look for a better grade. Ask if the stones are of good color or slightly off color. Go for better color without the brown or yellow tones. Much of this is up to your own eye. Also, if you loose a stone, off color stones are more difficult to match up for a replacement!
The single cut stones are more round overall in top view. Still the number of facets is the same. Full cut stones will have more sparkle and life to your eye. Stones of 1 point or more are better in appearance if full cut. Ask if the stones are single cut or full cut stones.
Quality for earrings like you describe runs from very good to frankly very bad. Bench jewelers often do resizing services for national department stores. Much of the jewelry was tagged with a higher price and a "sale" price of about 50% off. The 50% off price is about what the jewelry was worth. But would I get any for my wife? No!
Why? So many of the sparkling jewelry was very poorly made. Bench jewelers must clean jewelry before any soldering as for sizing a ring may be done and at least one of three of the rings from that store lost stones in the ultrasonic cleaner before we did anything! The prettiness of the jewelry went away because of the poor workmanship. Workmanship is difficult to judge when you are not in the business. Ask how the stones are set into the metal. If they say "channel set" ask to look through magnification.
A real channel set has the sides of the channel pressed down onto the edges of the stone. A fake channel set has a channel for the stones but the stones are held in by little pieces of metal (a small pick of metal) from the inside channel walls pushed down, one little chip of metal on each side of the stone. This is "pick" setting and is very common in lower quality jewelry making. Do not get pick set stones or you will be losing stones.
Ask the clerk to clean the items you are considering. Ask if they have an ultrasonic machine and that you would like the earrings cleaned for a few minutes in the machine. This will take off finger smudges and let you see the actual sparkle and color of the diamonds better. Also, if stones are not securely set, there is a chance some will come out in the cleaner! That is not a foolproof test but a good start. Do not hesitate to ask to have the jewelry cleaned in an ultrasonic before you pull out your check book or plastic card!
Ask if the stones are set securely and if they have had any problems with lost stones from that line of jewelry. This is a reasonable question. Often, jewelry with many little stones is not set securely in the first place. Better quality items will go a lifetime with no problems at all.
In small stones or large, yellow gold holds stone safely as does white gold. Perhaps platinum is the best overall. If you do not want the dull look platinum get after a while, go with white gold since white is your choice. What makes the yellow and white different is hardness. Generally, white gold is harder than yellow and may wear a bit better over time. When we set into yellow gold, we allow more thickness on the settings to account for this.
White gold has problems if you are not careful. Any chlorine such as in swimming pools and hot tubs will work havoc on most white gold. This is because most white gold has nickel to make the gold look white.
The effect is a weakening of the make up of the white gold recipe. Exposure to chlorine in strength or repeated at a swimming pool can actually lead to white gold prongs literally falling off. White gold holds stones well but avoid the chlorine! Unless you want platinum earrings, white gold is just fine. This will last and last and keep shine platinum will not keep. Just keep it clean and away from chlorine!
Bottom Line, deal with a business which is a jewelry store first, not a department within another store.(There are exceptions. Ask if they service their jewelry and have bench jeweler "in house".) If the business has a good reputation, that is one to try first.
About the Author
Victor Epand is the owner of http://www.JewerlyGift.biz, a huge online jewelry superstore featuring the greatest selection of jewelry including personalizable items. Clearance Sale items are here: http://www.jewelrygift.biz/collection/clearance-sales.html
A Crash Course On Jewelry
What is jewelry? By definition, it 's a personal adornment worn anywhere on the body. It 's usually made from some precious material or gemstones, and has been around since the earliest known stages of human existence - recently, tiny Nassarius shells were found with beading drill holes, dating to 100,000 years ago!
What 's the point of jewelry? Jewelry has had many uses throughout history, ranging from symbolic meaning, to use as currency, to protective charms, to simply being worn as a statement of social status in a community. Although in the past many types of jewelry were used as functional items, as the pieces grew more elaborate, jewelry grew to have more of an aesthetic purpose, which is what most modern jewelry wearers would cite as their reason for wearing jewelry today.
It was in the late 1940s, after the end of World War II, that jewelry as an artistic and aesthetic pursuit began to take foothold in the general public. Since life could finally be enjoyed again without the ravages of war, artistic pursuits flourished ' and at the forefront of this? Wearable art!
For those who may not be entirely familiar with all the different kinds of jewelry available today, here 's an easy breakdown of the major kinds of jewelry that you probably see on a daily basis:
Head
Earrings: an earring is a piece of jewelry worn on the ear, typically on the earlobe or outer cartilage. Earrings are worn by both men and women, and can be made from metal, plastic, beads, or other precious gems. Earrings take an innumerable amount of styles and shapes, and are worn all over the world. In some tribal cultures, ear piercing is a required part of initiation rituals.
Neck
Necklace: a necklace is a piece of jewelry worn around the neck, and can be made from metal, plastic, bone, fabric, even gems or shells. They are generally worn loose around the neck, and those that are higher and tighter on the neck are referred to as chokers. There are many different kinds of necklaces, each with their own sub-category, however it is enough to know that necklaces are typically used as adornments to complement one 's attire ' even many indigenous cultures have their own distinctive necklace styles that are part of their traditional dress!
Arms
Bracelet: a bracelet is similar to a necklace, but much smaller and worn around the wrist. While typically decorative like a necklace, bracelets can also be used to identify people with medical conditions, or given to patrons as temporary passes to an event. In countries such as India, the number of bracelets worn by a woman indicates her marital status, while some ancient bracelets were worn in the belief that they could ward off evil spirits.
Hand
Ring: a ring can be worn around the finger on either hand, and is the type of jewelry which tends to have the most symbolic associations. In Western culture, women wear diamond rings on the third finger of their left hand when engaged to be married, and after marriage, both men and women wear a metal band on this same finger to indicate marital status. Other symbolic rings include graduating class rings, chastity rings, and traditional Irish Claddagh rings. Ring-wearing spans all generations, cultures, and history, and rings are made from any and all kinds of material: iron, fabric, bone, plastic, and so on.
Body
Brooch: a brooch is a decorative ornament which is attached to an article of clothing for aesthetic purposes. They are often elaborate designs made with gemstones and metalwork, though it has become more common to see brooches made of just metal, in the shapes of animals, flowers, children, or endearing words. Ancient cultures used a type of brooch called a fibula, which was typically used to hold the corners of a garment together. Over time, these fibula became more and more elaborate, which probably gave rise to the modern style of brooch.
Jumat, 21 Maret 2008
How To Care For Your Gold Jewlry To Keep It Shiny And Beautiful For A Long Time
Throughout history women have had a love affair with gold. From ancient Egyptians to modern New Yorkers the lure of gold jewelry is still going strong. The basic designs have changed to follow current styles, making it possible to trace history through the designs on jewelry.
Gold is one of the softer metals and can be easily worked even with the crudest tools. It can be fashioned into jewelry, ornaments, and even dishes. When properly polished gold holds a luster that is very pleasing to the eye, which is one of the reasons it has always been so highly prized. But when gold is worn close to the skin or with other metals it can lose some of its shine.
Basic Home Care Instructions
Gold jewelry worn on an everyday basis can become dull and dingy. Because of the malleability of gold, it is often mixed with other stronger metals to ensure that it will hold its shape better and longer. It is these other alloys in the mixture that are actually changing color. This slight change in color or dullness can be easily fixed with a few common household items.
To get started all that is needed to clean gold jewelry is a mild detergent and a soft brush, an old toothbrush works great for this process. Dip the brush in the detergent and gently scrub the item, paying attention to the small cracks and crevices. Rinse the item thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. The cloth should be a professionally recommended polishing cloth to ensure the jewelry isn't scratched during the polishing phase. This will take away the dirt and grime that can build up from normal use.
If the jewelry has heavy caked on dirt it might be necessary to make a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water, and then soak the piece for 1 to 2 minutes. This should loosen the grime and make it easier to brush away. After brushing and rinsing, it is a good idea to use a soft cloth to polish a shine onto the jewelry.
Things to Avoid
There are some things that can be avoided to ensure many years of enjoyment from your gold jewelry. For example, avoid interaction with chemicals. Some everyday chemical combinations can be harsh on gold. Cleaning products can affect the surface of the gold jewelry robbing it of its natural sheen. Even products that are used on the skin such as lotions, bleaches, or hair dyes can be harmful.
Wearing jewelry made other metals should also be avoided. Gold is a softer metal and can be damaged when worn in conjunction with a harder metal, such as silver. The friction can scratch or elevate the wear of the piece reducing its life. Also be aware of where you remove your jewelry, setting on the edge of the sink can sometimes end in tragedy when your ring rolls down the drain. Following these simple tips can help in extending the life and enjoyment of your gold jewelry.
About the Author
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Gold Jewelry at http://www.goldjewelrydiscounted.com
Jewelry For Beauty And Investment
Distressed Europeans flocked towards America, driven by the native pursuit of the American Dream. In the years of conflict, those who had some funds sewed diamonds into the lining of their clothes so that they could use it during uncertain times. During those times, the national currencies were very erratic and fluctuated a lot. High quality diamonds and gems always exchanged for ready cash in case of emergencies in the international market.
Today also, rare gems and diamonds remain the object of de valeur for terror stricken people, fleeing tyranny, or those who fear taxes. Gems and diamonds command top dollar, especially since the gem resources have exhausted. Even so, a layman would always suggest buying gemstones as a mode of investment. Jewelry investment does not produce income like mutual funds or real estate. Gemstones and diamonds rates tend to fluctuate whereas high quality diamonds and gemstones may not make money at all, but they do not lose value.
A private jewelry collection has an advantage over mutual fund investment that sometimes does not yield any curves or interest on the rate of return etc. Jewelry may not offer any of these advantages immediately, but it retains beauty, romance and the money 's worth. A pair of beautiful diamond studs adds glow to a woman 's face than a set of convertible debentures.
Value of diamonds and gemstones are easier to measure than the jewelry designs since most of the precious stones have lab certificates that verify the quality. If you buy jewelry for its design rather than the gem value, then it could be an impulsive investment. Women love jewelry and they have a passion for beauty so they buy jewelry to enhance their looks and display style.
The mysterious beauty of gemstones and diamonds makes any woman look enchanting and the exquisite color and lights inspires us to believe that they have supernatural origins and the magical mystery surrounds the wearer. Jewelry studded with gemstones or diamonds compliments fashionable clothing and adds sparkles and shine to the person who adorns it.
Gemstones were always thought to possess mystical powers and have the ability to enhance beauty. According to the legends, people invested and bought gemstones for some purpose, like emeralds were bought to bring good luck and yellow stones solved the jaundice problem and men wore ruby to project command, lordship, nobility and vengeance, while a woman wore the ruby to indicate pride, haughtiness and obstinacy. Blue sapphire denotes man 's wisdom, high thoughts, but a woman 's jealousy, transitory hope and ambition with a childish delight.
Industry experts agree that jewelry serves as a sustainable investment, hence before investing, buyers should always ask for a laboratory report that verifies the natural state.
Fairy tales of enchanted princesses and the legendary Arabian Nights do not merely mention the ruby for nothing. It is mentioned for a purpose, as ruby is intimately connected with love and romance. Solomon rightly exclaimed that "a virtuous woman was more valuable than rubies", and that "the price of wisdom is above rubies". In addition, its value and scarcity have not decreased since their time.
Accessorizing is everything today in the fashion world and jewelers combine traditional techniques with today 's fashion to create stunning and gorgeous pieces, from the hot setters to the soothing kinds with more classic chic styles. Nowadays, jewelry is designed to appeal to the modern woman while retaining her romantic nature. Gemstone studded jewelry captures the essence of a woman who loves to combine art and fashion to look outstanding and dazzling!
About the Author
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.
Rabu, 19 Maret 2008
5 Tips To Keep Your Jewelry Clean
There are a whole lot of types of jewelry that you can buy. Many might be sitting in your jewelry box as you read this. From gold to platinum, silver to diamonds, gemstones to costume jewelry, each piece has a reason for being in your collection. If you love your jewelry enough to keep it stored and safe, then you should also love it enough to keep it clean. Below are five tips to keeping different types of jewelry clean:
01. Diamonds : Keeping diamonds clean is easier than you think. Diamonds are the hardest substance on the earth. They don't chip or scratch very easily, though you should still take excellent care of them in order to help them maintain their luster. Nothing is more embarrassing than someone wanting to admire your diamond ring and it barely sparkling because it hasn't been cleaned. Keep your diamonds clean by gently using a worn toothbrush or similar item with warm water and soap to remove grime and dirty that builds up in the settings, then using a soft cloth to polish the stone itself.
02. Silver : Sterling silver is a wonderful metal that matches with almost every stone known to man. Due to its abundance and the fact that it is much cheaper than gold or other metals, it has become quite popular. Sterling silver is a very soft metal, meaning that it can easily get scratched and become dull. Therefore, you have to take extra precautions when cleaning your jewelry that is silver. Use a soft cloth specifically designed for silver. If you must, use a cloth with warm soap and water mixture to clean first, then dry and polish.
03. Pearls : The classic strand of pearls around the neck evokes images of Jackie O and other style icons. They always looked radiant, and so did their pearls. The reason is because they knew never to use solvents or anything harsh when cleaning your pearl jewelry. The oils from your skin normally build up on items like silver or diamonds, but on pearls they help keep them moist, something which is much needed to keep them looking their best. Using even soap and water will strip the pearls of these oils, so don't use it. Just use a dry, soft cloth to buff them a bit and you are done.
04. Vintage, Stained Jewelry : Vintage jewelry is a joy to collect but many pieces you might find have been neglected and are very dirty. Because they are old, you want to be careful when you take care of them. If a simple jewelry cloth won't cut it, then try using a baby wipe or glass cleaner with a soft cloth. These are just the right amount of cleansers that should get the piece clean without stripping the metal or making it rust or turn on you.
05. Cameos : These beautiful and timeless pieces of jewelry take a little more care than most but they are well worth it. First, never soak a cameo on any substance for more than 30 seconds. This could waterlog the stone and even stain it permanently. Instead, take a soft brush and use a mildly warm soap and water mixture on it, then immediately rinse dry with water and let it rest until dried.
About the Author
Joe King is a contributing author for SonicsOnline.com. Visit SonicsOnline to find the perfect ultrasonic jewelry cleaner & great deals!
How To Invest In Gold Jewelry
Investment is one of the most common ways to make money in modern times as people have less disposable income and want more freedom of choice over their money. The internet has made all types of investment accessible, and more people are becoming interested in how investments can work for them. One of the most obvious and easy forms of investment is jewelry. It is easy to purchase and it is a commodity that everyone is familiar with.
Gold jewelry is the current hotspot in jewelry investment. Jewelry is proven throughout history to be a longstanding and stable investment, being popular throughout time. This is because the price of jewelry and the financial returns made rely upon many factors, not just the price of the precious metal or stones used at that moment in time. Jewelry has survived many economical collapses, worldwide. It is not susceptible to fluctuating stocks and shares or currency markets and so does not lose its value.
Jewelry is an art form. It is subject to originality and intricacies in design, and there is always great demand. Recent global reports state that the demand for gold jewelry is rising by an impressive 19% a year, which is a record breaking amount. Jewelry demand is predicted to rise even further. All jewelry is covetable and collectible and becomes worth more with age. This can be reflected by the way in which gold stores are used; around 75% of all gold consumed is in the form of jewelry. The World Gold Council states in its latest gold report that in the US in 2006, jewelry sales totalled $44 billion.
Jewelry makes a visual statement about the person that is wearing it and so it is an enjoyable investment also. Like in ancient times, jewelry is closely associated with wealth, and so gives the wearer a confident demeanour. Jewelry as an investment has many advantages. For instance, antique jewelry can be bought and sold rapidly for a quick turnover; the demand has already been established above. Jewelry prices are also subject to trends. The latest jewelry fair in Vicenza states that yellow gold is of the highest demand in both the US and Europe, so it would be a good investment. However, due to the nature of the fashion industry this means that white gold jewelry will be a trend at some point soon.
The secret of jewelry investment is to know what you want and where to get it. This has been made much easier by the internet, as dealers can be contacted and business completed between any destinations on the globe. Furthermore, the internet has increased possibilities for jewelry wholesalers who can advertise their goods more easily, which means investors can get more jewelry for their money. A jewelry dealer will be able to provide you with information on the quality of the piece and the style, but a gold advisor or investment professional may be needed to ensure you buy the right type of jewelry for the investment you are looking for.
When buying gold jewelry, the most important factor is the caratage. The caratage details the amount of gold content present in the jewelry. Gold is pliable and so needs other metals such as silver and copper to be added to make it durable. This also affects the colour of the jewelry. The purest gold jewelry available is 24 carat and will be a strong yellow-orange colour. Jewelry in other colours can have a lower caratage as bigger quantities of the other metals are required to create the special effect. However, this does not mean that for white gold jewelry will be any less wise an investment as a yellow gold piece, as design, designer and personal taste also feature in the value.
Make sure you choose jewelry that reflects your tastes and brings you joy, as well as thinking of the long term investment to enjoy its full value.
About the Author
by robertoms2003
This article can be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/joias.php
