The Best of Both Worlds: Gold Gemstone Jewelry

Gemstone Handmade Jewelry by John S. Brana

Amber and Crystal Beaded Gemstone Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

If you are looking for sheer elegance and class, nothing beats gold gemstone jewelry. These pieces combine the simple glamor of gold with distinctive gemstones that reflect the personality and style of the wearer. When buying this type of jewelry, there are several things you need to pay attention to.

The quality of the gold that makes up any kind of gold gemstone jewelry is essential. Of course, you want the highest quality gold, which is measured in karats. No piece of jewelry will ever be made with 24k gold, so beware any jeweler who tries to sell you “24k gold”. This type of gold is too pure and too malleable to be worked into jewelry, and quite frankly, is too expensive. Only a king or queen would ever have anything made from 24k gold!

Most quality gold used in jewelry ranges from 10k to 22k. The higher the rating, the higher the price. It is typical for most jewelry to be made from 14k gold, although 18k is preferred by most quality jewelers.

Gemstones have their own rating system. Diamonds are also measured in carats (with a “c” instead of a “k”), and the higher the rating, the higher the price. Diamonds fall under the category of “precious stones”, along with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. A lot of gemstone jewelry, however, is made from semi-precious stones which are not as expensive, but can be equally beautiful and unique.

Gold gemstone jewelry made from semi-precious gemstones such as jade, lapis, onyx, turquoise, opals, and amber can be as beautiful as any piece including diamonds or sapphires. The quality of the gold, the uniqueness of the gemstone, and the exemplary craftsmanship of a master jeweler can make this type of jewelry worth wearing for a lifetime and handing down to your children.

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The Skinny on Designer Handmade Jewelry

2801474001_af2c92f14dWhat’s the difference between manufactured jewelry and designer handmade jewelry? Well, for starters, mass-market manufactured jewelry is obviously going to be cheaper, usually of lower quality, and also lacks uniqueness and creativity. Have you ever purchased a piece of mass market manufactured jewelry, gone to a party, and seen several other women wearing a similar piece of jewelry?

This definitely won’t be the case if you purchase designer handmade jewelry.  Chances are you have a unique piece, or one of only a number of limited edition pieces, and you’ll never have to worry about bumping into someone at a party and seeing that same piece of jewelry on another woman’s wrist or around her neck.

Mass market jewelry is stuff that’s stamped out by the thousands, with little or no human contact.  Designer handmade jewelry, on the other hand…is  something totally different. Of course it’s going to cost a little more, but you can be assured that when a designer hallmarks their handmade jewelry, they are guaranteeing you a certain level of quality and trust.  The designer’s name, brand, and reputation are on the line.  This seldom occurs in mass manufactured jewelry. 

Handmade jewelry is also much more labor intensive.  Numerous hours can go into creating, designing, and fabricating a single piece of jewelry, and that’s why the cost for designer handmade jewelry is usually higher than mass produced pieces. 

Maintenance of your designer handmade jewelry is relatively easy.  Over time, your silver jewelry will tarnish due to the copper content in Sterling Silver. There are several commercial products you can purchase at your local drug store or hardware store that will restore your silver to a sparkling shine.   The most versatile is a polishing cloth or rouge cloth that can be used on gold, silver, and copper jewelry.  For those more intricate silver pieces like filigree or chain, all you need is baking soda.  First, make sure you do this in a well ventilated area.  Place the chain in an aluminum pan, and cover thoroughly with baking soda. Then, pour boiling water, slowly,  into the pan.   A chemical reaction will occur and the tarnish will be removed.  Copper jewelry can be easily cleaned with these cleaning methods.  One of the added benefits of buying designer jewelry is that most designers offer cleaning services.  Customers of John S. Brana – Handcrafted Fine Jewelry can send their jewelry in at anytime for a free cleaning.

 

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