Jewelry Facts

This page is dedicated to bringing you the latest news in jewelry and hope to better educate the consumer in the jewelry industry. We've learned from our own experiences that the best way to confidently purchase anything, jewelry or not, is to arm yourself with knowledge.
Selecting jewelry is a personal decision that is greatly influenced by an individual's style preferences. However, the cost of jewelry is primarily affected by the gems and metals it contains - the more rare the components, the greater the cost of the finished product.

How do I find My Ring Size?

For the most accurate fit follow the directions below to measure your finger. We have included 3 methods for determining your ring size. 2 methods require you to print out a template and follow the directions. The third method below requires a piece of string. If you have the patience - try them all out and see if you get the same results. The most important thing to remember is that if the ring is a little larger, it can still be worn, but if it's too small you won't be able to get it past the knuckle.

How To Measure Your Finger

1 Find a piece of string or strip of paper no wider than 3/4".
2 Wrap it around the base of the appropriate finger.
3 Use a pen to mark the point on the string/paper where it overlaps, forming a complete circle.
4 With a ruler, measure the length from the starting end of the string/paper to the pen mark.
5 Use this measurement and the chart below to determine your ring size.
6 For a more accurate method of measuring ring size, print out our free ring sizer by clicking the links above.

Tips For Measuring Ring Size

Here are some tips to make your ring size measurement more accurate:
* After sliding the ring sizer on, make sure it slides off easily over the knuckle.
* Don't measure cold fingers, as this is when fingers are their smallest.
* For the most accurate reading, measure the finger at the end of the day when the finger is the largest.

If you're buying the ring as a surprise, ask your partner's mother or one of her friends if they know her finger size.

Interesting Jewelry Facts
What are the different metals in jewelry?
Gold
Since ancient times, gold has been used to create the finest objects of art, religious articles and fine jewelry. Because gold can be mixed with other metals to create different colors and karats, it is one of the most popular metals for jewelry today in the United States and Europe. To regulate the use of gold, the United States passed the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act, which states that if an item is marked with its quality, that mark should be accurate and within the tolerances provided by the Act.
The most common marks for gold jewelry are 18K or 750 (signifying 75% gold), 14K or 585 (58% gold), and 10K (42% gold). Ten karat gold is the lowest level allowed under U.S. law. Jewelry made of higher-karat gold is more yellow in color and slightly softer than gold jewelry made of lower-karat gold, which may include copper, silver, zinc, or other metals. You, the consumer, need to be concerned with the alloys if you are allergic to certain metals or have a high acid content in your body. Acid can turn the jewelry that you wear on your body to black and appear to be of poor quality when it actually is not.
Pure gold (which is always yellow) is too soft for jewelry use. The metals that are mixed with pure gold for strength can also modify the color of gold resulting in different shades of yellow, white, and pink gold. White gold was originally developed to imitate platinum, and is usually an alloy containing 25% nickel and zinc. If stamped 18 karat, it would be 75% pure gold.

Care of Gold
To keep gold gleaming, rub it with a soft chamois or clean it with a few drops of dishwashing detergent and gently brush away dirt with a soft toothbrush.

Platinum
Platinum is an extremely durable metal that has been used in making fine jewelry since the 1880s. Because of its density and strength, platinum is favored above all metals to hold diamonds and was often used in very intricate designs requiring great detail. In the early 1900s platinum became very popular, and its popularity grew until World War II, when it was temporarily banned from use in jewelry because platinum's military uses had higher priority. In the past 10 years, however, platinum jewelry has grown in popularity. The most common marks for platinum are "900 PT, 900 PLAT, PT900 and 900 Plat 100 Irid," which signifies the percentage of platinum and other metals used. Because of the small percentage of other metals alloyed with it, platinum is hypoallergenic and excellent for people who are allergic to other metals. When buying platinum jewelry, follow these tips:
• Be sure the item is stamped with its metal content.
• Be prepared to spend more initially because of the expert craftsmanship required to work in platinum.
• Be sure the sales receipt has "Platinum" written in the description.
Care of platinum is the same as for gold outlined above.

Silver
Silver has been used for jewelry since 3500 BC, when the Egyptians created ornaments out of silver. The word "sterling" is short for "Easterlings," a form of money used in 12th-century England. Silver jewelry was popular because of its large supply, affordable price and ease of manufacture. To be considered "sterling silver," an article must contain at least 92.5 percent silver; that is why sterling silver is marked "925." Although rich in luster, silver tarnishes when exposed to the elements, causing it to turn dark or black. The tarnish can be cleaned using a variety of products on the market.

What can you tell me about buying a diamond?
Diamonds
Diamonds were formed millions of years ago inside the earth under intense heat and pressure. Their unique brilliance and hardness have put them in high demand around the world. Nature's imperfections are inclusions or flaws that appear in this process and affect the stone's clarity. The Gemological Institute of America rates color and clarity using the following terms:
Color
Colorless: D, E, F
Near colorless: G, H, I, J
Faint yellow: K, L, M
Very light yellow: N, O, P, Q, R
Light yellow: S through Z
Clarity
F: Flawless under 10x magnification
IF: Internally flawless under 10x magnification
VVS: Very very slightly included under 10x magnification
VS: Very slightly included under 10x magnification
SI: Slightly included under 10x magnification
I: Included and seen with the naked eye
The prices for rough cut diamonds are regulated, in large part, by De Beers Consolidated Mines Corporation. Approximately eighty percent of the world's production of rough diamonds filters through the De Beers Central Selling Organization, which sells the rough diamonds approximately eight times a year to 160 worldwide members called "sightholders." All rough is sold at the same price to each sightholder, and as the diamonds filter down to cutters and wholesalers, the prices change and reflect various profit margins. Buying from a knowledgeable jewelry professional is your key to finding the best-quality diamond for the greatest value. Take the time to be educated about diamonds so you will understand where the best value is and why. For more information, visit the Gemological Institute of America's website.

Diamond Care
Diamonds are best cleaned in warm water and a little dishwashing detergent, or warm water and a small amount of ammonia (6 parts water to 1 part ammonia). Rinse and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. We do not recommend ultrasonic jewelry cleaners because the vibrations can enlarge any inclusions that are present in the diamond. These machines can also damage semi-precious stones.

What is a Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia Cubic Zirconia stones are a man-made diamond simulant having optical characteristics that are very close to natural diamonds. On the mohs scale of 1-10 for hardness, a CZ is 8.5 - 8.9, while a diamond is 10. Sand or dirt will not scratch a CZ or a diamond, but CZs and diamonds will both scratch glass. A CZ weighs more than a diamond, and that is one of the principal ways to tell them apart. But once it is set in a piece of jewelry it is very difficult even for a jeweler to distinguish between a diamond and a CZ. For many years there were inferior diamond simulants that were introduced to the public, but current technology has changed that and today's CZ gems remain brilliantly clear just the way a diamond does. We use only the highest grade of hand cut and polished cubic zirconia stones.
No special care is required for a CZ to retain its brilliance; like all stones, keeping it clean using warm water and a drop or two of dishwashing detergent is all that is needed.

How to Buy Her an Engagement Ring She'll Love

Before we get started, can I be honest with you? The best way to buy her an engagement ring she'll love is to let her pick it out herself. She'll wear this ring every day. It must feel good on her finger and it must suit her lifestyle. Sometimes it takes trying on many, many diamond shapes and setting styles to determine which ring is truly "best." But you still want to go it alone, don't you? Maybe because you want to surprise her with the engagement ring, or because you don't want her to be involved with pricing and payment issues. That's fine--if you put some thought into it you can buy an engagement ring that she'll love almost as much as she loves you.

Number 1: Pay Attention!
Paying attention to her jewelry likes and dislikes is the first big step towards finding her the perfect engagement ring: What metal color does she wear now? Most women have a definite preference. If she loves white gold or platinum, don't even look at a diamond or other stone mounted in a yellow gold ring setting. What style of jewelry does she wear now? Is it contemporary-looking, with bold styling? Does she prefer vintage looking rings? Or would you say that the jewelry she wears is classic, resembling those timeless pieces that never go out of style? The best indication of her tastes is the jewelry she wears all the time, not items she only wears occasionally, because it's the full-timers that she's most comfortable with.

Number 2: Has She Hinted at her Likes and Dislikes?
Has she ever mentioned her favorite jewelry styles or pointed out engagement rings when you're shopping together? If not, take her shopping. It isn't difficult to steer yourselves towards the jewelry stores. If you want to be subtle, say you're looking for a new watch, but be sure to pause at the engagement ring counters. Maybe she has a friend who recently became engaged. Does she like her friend's engagement ring? Why or why not? Does she like diamonds? Some women don't. Sapphires and rubies are both durable gemstones that are often set into engagement rings for women who don't like to wear diamonds.

Number 3: What Looks Best on Her Hands?
An elongated diamond, such as a marquise or oval, can make short fingers look more sleek--but be careful not to overdo the look or it could have the opposite effect. Wide bands usually make fingers appear even shorter than they are, so think proportional: Women with long fingers can easily wear bold ring styles. A setting that's extremely delicate could get lost on large hands, over-emphasizing their size and making the ring look smaller.

Number 4: Choose the Right Shape & Setting
Round diamonds are the number one shape chosen by brides, but maybe not your bride. She might prefer an elongated marquise, oval or pear-shaped stone, or an square or emerald cut diamond. Fancier shapes, such as hearts, are another option. Do you think she'd like a solitaire diamond, set alone in a band, or would she prefer a cluster of stones? Her current jewelry can give you clues about her preferences.

Number 5: Consider her Lifestyle
How will the ring fit in with her lifestyle? Does she work in a profession where fussy jewelry would look out of place? Even if she doesn't, remember that a pointed gem with high prongs could snag clothing (and people) and is harder to keep clean. Save that type of ring for gifts that will be worn on special occasions, not every day.

Number 6: What's her Ring Size?
Does she have rings that she wears on her engagement finger? Maybe a friend or family member could get hold of one of them long enough for you to have it sized. Of course, you'll have to swear the messenger to secrecy.

Number 7: Consider a Loose Diamond
If you think you know which shape she loves, buy a loose diamond to show her when you ask the big question. The two of you can shop together later for the perfect engagement ring setting. Now that you have a better feel for the style of ring she might prefer, it's time to consider the diamonds that will go into it. Start with the Four C's, then take some time to browse other topics in JewelryByNET Jewelry Learning Center Resources. If she's not into diamonds, start with the articles in Colored Gemstones.