Jewelry Information

Gina Rosen

<DIV ALIGN=RIGHT><img src='http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0007/4122/files/Jewelry_Information-Web Text-Quarter.jpg' alt='' /></DIV> Overview Beaded Energy prides themselves on using only natural precious and/or semi-precious stones. None of their collection uses man-made stones except when incorporating Swarovski® Crystals. Their creations only feature fine or sterling silver as well as gold-filled components. Beaded Energy will only used solid gold by special order due to the high market rate of this precious metal. What is the difference between Fine Silver and Sterling Silver? Fine Silver is a silver alloy that contains at least 99.9% pure silver. Fine silver is generally very soft. Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Copper is typically used to give added strength to the metal. The common notation of ”.925” indicates Sterling Silver. What is the difference between Gold Filled & Gold Plated? Gold Filled (or gold overlay) is created when high heat and pressure are used to bond a layer of gold to a base metal; usually sterling silver or jeweler’s brass. At times, you will see the notation “14/20 Gold Filled”. This indicates that 1/20th of the piece, by weight, is real gold. By contrast, Gold Plated (or Gold Vermeil) pieces are made using an electroplating process. A microscopic layer of real gold is applied over a base metal using electricity to bond one metal to the other. Unfortunately, the gold layer usually wears off quickly because the bonded gold layer is so thin. Gold Filled Components are much more durable and longer lasting than Gold Vermeil or Gold Plated pieces. Beaded Energy will only use gold filled components in their creations. The cost is a bit higher but the company feels the higher quality is worth it. It keeps their jewery priced less than if solid gold were used, but a little more than if gold vermeil/plated pieces were incorporated. The Classifications of stones Semi-Precious is a class of natural stone, one mined from the earth, that are not classed as a gemstone. Included in the semi-precious category are stones such as varieties of quartz, garnets, aquamarine, citrine, apatite, and other mineral stones. However, even diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires can be sold as semi-precious grade. Semi-precious stones are available in the following grades: AAA, AA, A, AB, B, BC, C, CD & D. AAA, AA & A grade stones are usually free of incusions. Beaded Energy will always indicate when these high quality stones are used. It’s important to note, however, that inclusions are a natural occurence in some stones and can add to the beauty and uniqueness of a finished piece.

2007-12-07T10:02:45-05:00

jewelry-information 170122

2007-12-07T10:02:45-05:00

74122

Jewelry Information 2007-12-13T11:32:11-05:00 <DIV ALIGN=RIGHT><img src='http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0007/4122/files/Jewelry_Information-Web Text-Quarter.jpg' alt='' /></DIV> Overview Beaded Energy prides themselves on using only natural precious and/or semi-precious stones. None of their collection uses man-made stones except when incorporating Swarovski® Crystals. Their creations only feature fine or sterling silver as well as gold-filled components. Beaded Energy will only used solid gold by special order due to the high market rate of this precious metal. What is the difference between Fine Silver and Sterling Silver? Fine Silver is a silver alloy that contains at least 99.9% pure silver. Fine silver is generally very soft. Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Copper is typically used to give added strength to the metal. The common notation of ".925" indicates Sterling Silver. What is the difference between Gold Filled & Gold Plated? Gold Filled (or gold overlay) is created when high heat and pressure are used to bond a layer of gold to a base metal; usually sterling silver or jeweler's brass. At times, you will see the notation "14/20 Gold Filled". This indicates that 1/20th of the piece, by weight, is real gold. By contrast, Gold Plated (or Gold Vermeil) pieces are made using an electroplating process. A microscopic layer of real gold is applied over a base metal using electricity to bond one metal to the other. Unfortunately, the gold layer usually wears off quickly because the bonded gold layer is so thin. Gold Filled Components are much more durable and longer lasting than Gold Vermeil or Gold Plated pieces. Beaded Energy will only use gold filled components in their creations. The cost is a bit higher but the company feels the higher quality is worth it. It keeps their jewery priced less than if solid gold were used, but a little more than if gold vermeil/plated pieces were incorporated. The Classifications of stones Semi-Precious is a class of natural stone, one mined from the earth, that are not classed as a gemstone. Included in the semi-precious category are stones such as varieties of quartz, garnets, aquamarine, citrine, apatite, and other mineral stones. However, even diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires can be sold as semi-precious grade. Semi-precious stones are available in the following grades: AAA, AA, A, AB, B, BC, C, CD & D. AAA, AA & A grade stones are usually free of incusions. Beaded Energy will always indicate when these high quality stones are used. It's important to note, however, that inclusions are a natural occurence in some stones and can add to the beauty and uniqueness of a finished piece.