Back to Top

10, 14 and 18 Karat Gold

The term karat, as applied to gold, refers to the quality of gold. The higher the karat of gold, the higher the quality. The highest quality gold, the purest, is 24 karat. 24 karat gold is 99% gold by content. 18 karat gold is 18 parts gold to 6 parts other metalic alloys, or 75% gold. 14 karat gold is 14 parts gold to 10 parts metalic alloys, or 58% gold. jewelery that is marked as 10 karat gold is therfore 10 parts gold to 14 parts other metallic alloys so less than half the item, only 42% is actual gold. At Lakeville Jewelers we use 14 or 18 carat gold for our jewelery.

Back to Top

Different Colors of Gold

The different colors of gold are created by mixing the gold with different portions of other metals. On account of the soft and malleable nature of gold, all gold jewlery has been hardened by combining it with other, harder metals. The most commonly sold gold jewlery is yellow gold. Yellow gold is created by mixing gold, which is a rich yellow in its natural state with harder metals that do not compromise its retention of the gold color. 14 karat white gold is created by mixing gold with platinum, palladium, nickel, or nickel and zinc. White gold that is 18 karat is mixed at a ration of 75% gold to 25% of a white metal, most frequently palladium. Rose gold is created by mixing gold and copper to create a rich rose pink tone.Green gold is also sometimes found in jewlery and is created by mixing gold and silver. When the ration of gold to silver reaches 20% silver and 80% gold the compound created is called electrum.

Back to Top

Purchasing a Diamond

Back to Top  

Pearls

When buying pearls you should learn the answer to the following questions:

• What is the difference between a freshwater and a saltwater pearl?
• What is a cultured pearl?
• What colors do pearls come in?
• What are the different types of pearls?
• How is your pearl necklace strung?
• How do I care for my pearl jewelry?

What is the difference between a freshwater and a saltwater pearl?

The answer to this question is as simple as a freshwater pearl is found in freshwater riverbeds, while a saltwater pearl is harvested from the much deeper waters of the Oceans. Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive due to the increased difficulties associated with harvesting, although a exemplary freshwater pearl will also command a high price.

What is a cultured pearl?

A cultured pearl is created in the same manner as a naturally occuring pearl; the envioronment and circumstance that lead to the formation of the pearl, however is controlled. Cultured pearlsz are created by inserting an irritant into the oyster, causign the process that creates a pearl to start.

What colors do pearls come in?

Pearls occur in a variety of colors, although the most common color is white. More rarely cream, green, pink, orange, violet, grey or blue pearls are found to occur naturally. Be sure to inquire abot the color of any pearls you wish to purchase, many pearls are dyed to give them color. Natuarally occuring colored pearls will be more expensive. Discoloration of the pearls, such as stripes indicates a weak pearl; those should be avoided. Finally, check yor pearl necklaces for uniformity. The color and size of the pearlsought to match.

What are the different types of pearls?

While there are many types of pearls and they can be found the world over there are six types that stand out for quality: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, Chinese freshwater, keshi and mabe. When purchasing maybe pearls, be carefull that it is actually a pearl, instead of maybe shell. Maybe shell is virtually indistinguishable, but is mother-of-pearl rather than actual pearl.

How is your pearl necklace strung?

Be sure to check if your pearls necklace is single or double knotted. Double -knotted is prefered, be sure to find out if your jeweler restrings pearls and what the cost is.

How do I care for my pearl jewelry?

Pearls are a soft stone and so must be handled with care. Never permit your pearls to come into contact with chemicals, this includes hairspray and perfume. Put your pearls on last. To help protect your pearls from scratching store them separately from other jewelery in their own box or pouch. To clean your pearls gently polish them with a soft cloth ro bringthem to a jeweler.