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Our gemologist was writing an appraisal the other day and called us over to look at a diamond ring under the scope.  The ring contained one large center diamond weighing two carats as well as numerous smaller diamonds.  The center diamond appeared hazy, as if it were dirty.  Mark, our gemologist, then showed us the ring under a black light.  It was a brilliant blue color, as were several of the side diamonds.  This ring contained diamonds which were excellent examples of diamonds that fluorese.
   

Fluorescence in diamonds is caused by sub-microscopic particles in the stones that react to ultraviolet light, not only “black lights” but also sunlight.  Diamonds can fluoresce bluish-white in color, as well as yellow or even green in color.  Fluorescence can be an identifying feature of a stone. 

We’re often asked if fluorescence affects the beauty and value of a diamond.  The effect is two-fold.  Blue fluorescence can help mask the color of a diamond that has yellow body color, however, if it is very strong, or a diamond is very white, fluorescence can make the diamond appear hazy or dirty, as in the case of the diamond above.  This can cause a diamond with yellow body color to appear whiter, which enhances the value, while a white diamond which appears hazy or dirty may be considered to have less value. 

Come in to Pierce Jewelers and see if any of your diamonds fluoresce!

These days a lot of people are bringing in their old gold jewelry to be scrapped. The question always asked first is, "Is this solid gold?" and the second is, "How much is it worth?" at which point we explain the facts about gold and its use in jewelry.

Jewelry bought in the marketplace is not pure or 24 karat or "fine" gold. The "gold" jewelry you buy is gold mixed, or "alloyed" with other metals to make the jewelry stronger. 24 karat, or fine gold is too soft to be durable for everyday wear. The amount of gold in a piece is determined by its karat number. For example, 18 karat gold is 18 parts or 75% fine gold and 25% other metal or a mixture of other metals.

The alloying process is not only for strength, but it also allows for different colors of gold. For example: platinum, palladium, nickel and zinc in various combinations and quantities are alloys used with fine gold to make "white" gold, while copper and silver are alloys used with fine gold to make "rose" or "pink" gold.

All gold jewelry must be hallmarked, or have the karat number or percent gold stamped on it somewhere. The most common karat weights we see in gold jewelry are 10 karat, 14 karat and 18 karat. Look at your yellow and white gold rings and you should see 14K or 18K stamped on the inside. You may also see "585" which is the percentage for 14 karat gold, or "750" which is the percentage for 18 karat gold.

So, if you have old jewelry you are not wearing, bring it in to Pierce Jewelers. Who knows, it may be more valuable than you think!

People often ask what the difference is between white gold and platinum and if one is better than the other. Both platinum and white gold have the appearance of being white metals when they are new but the similarities end there.

Let's begin with PLATINUM. Platinum is a pure metal. A platinum ring has no alloys added to it except for other metals from the platinum group such as Ruthenium or Iridium. A platinum item of jewelry is stamped "Plat" if it is 95% pure platinum or "900 Plat" if it is 90% pure platinum.

When platinum is scratched none of the metal wears away. A scratch in platinum is like tracing your finger through the sand. The sand parts and all you have to do is rub your hand across it and the sand is smooth again. When platinum scratches the metal does not wear away, it only "moves". After time, when platinum wears and the high polish luster is gone it obtains what I call a "patina". Some people like this look. Platinum is a dense metal and it is 60% heavier than gold. We can polish platinum jewelry to bring back its bright shiny luster without loosing much metal.  Platinum/Ruthenium 950 is our platinum metal of choice.

WHITE GOLD on the other hand is yellow gold with alloys, such as Nickel, added that make the yellow gold more white.  In its rough state white gold is a soft yellow. Usually a deritive of platinum called "rhodium" is applied to the first layer of a white gold item to make it shiny and bright white. The rhodium layer wears off after time, usually due to the alkinity of the customer's skin. Believe it of not, eating onions or tomatoes can change the skins alkinity and cause the rhodium to wear away faster. It is not a problem to re-rhodium an item of white gold jewelry, however we don't want to do it too often because we have to polish the jewelry first.  The more we polish a gold item, the faster the gold wears down.

In recent years, PALLADIUM, a sister metal of platinum, has been added to white gold (instead of other alloys such as Nickel). This "new white gold metal" does not need to be rhodium plated. Palladium white gold has a premium white color, has great depth and luster, excellent casting characteristics and under a jeweler's tool acts more like platinum. It also maintains a bright white finish for a longer time than the old white gold and has a brilliant surface finish. Additionally, palladium has a 15% greater wear resistance over 14 karat white gold.  18k Palladium White gold is our white gold metal of choice.

Cleaning and maintaining your jewelry at home is much easier than you think.   Take these simple steps that will keep your precious jewelry clean, sparkling and lustrous—so you can enjoy them for years to come. 

Many variables in our surrounding can dull the shine of jewelry and precious gems: body lotion, perfume, hairspray, perspiration, or just simply, normal everyday wear.  Lotions and soap film are some of the more difficult materials to remove.

Always remove your jewelry when showering.  Never wear your jewelry in the ocean, pool or hot tub.  Avoid exposing your jewelry to abrasive substances such as household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia.  Never work in the garden or excersize at the gym with your jewelry.

A convenient way to clean your jewelry is to soak it overnight in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing detergent.  This will allow lotions and soap film to loosen.  The next morning, use a soft bristled tooth brush, along with warm water, and brush as well as possible to remove any scum build-up. Then, rinse well in hot water, pat dry with a clean cloth.  When you’re done cleaning your jewelry, be sure to dry it well to keep its brilliant shine.

For a more thourough cleaning, come in and see us.  With our professional Ultra Sonic and high powered Steamer, we can get the hard to reach areas clean that soaking and brushing cannot.  We'll also polish & inspect your jewelry at no charge.

I found this article & link very interesting and informative.  Just thought I would pass it on to you.

"DIAMOND. The mere mention of the word fills the mind with a multitude of concepts and images. Diamond is a mineral, a natural crystalline substance, the transparent form of pure carbon. Diamond is something superb, the peerless "king of gems" that glitters, dazzles, and symbolizes purity and strength. Diamond is for engagement and the 75th wedding anniversary, for a commitment to never-ending love. Diamond is indomitable, the hardest surface known. Diamond is exotic, formed in Earth's interior and shot to the surface by extraordinary volcanoes. A diamond is likely the oldest thing you will ever own,.... Diamond is a strategic and high-tech supermaterial for our technological society. Diamond is a shape. This exhibition presents the fascinating story of the nature of diamonds."

Learn More:  www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/ 
Presented by the American Museum of Natural History

I Just Joined the 21st Century! I hope to spend more time Blogging about everything Jewelry.  Look for interesting articles about diamonds, gemstones, Jewelry and more!