Custom Jewelry Design, Jewelry, Necklaces
Sapphires- The Favored Gemstone
Whether royal blue or hot pink, sapphires are one of the most popular stones among jewelry buyers. Read ahead to learn more about this dazzling gemstone.
What are sapphires made of?
Sapphires mostly consist of the mineral conundrum. What’s so special about sapphires is that by adding small doses of other elements, sapphires can be altered to form almost any colour of the rainbow. For example, blue sapphires get their colour by adding tiny amounts of titanium and iron into conundrum while pink sapphires are made by adding small amounts of chromium.
Why We Love Them
Sapphires are only rightly a favourite among jewellery buyers. They come in a variety of colours and shades, meaning everyone can find something that dazzles them. Another feature found in some sapphires is a colour shift that seems a different shade in changing light conditions. Bicolor sapphires, on the other hand, flaunt two distinct colours all the time. Sapphires are also one of the hardest stones out there (found just below diamonds on the Mohs Hardness Scale). This makes them durable and resistant to scratches and thus perfect for jewellery for everyday use.
How to Choose Your Sapphire
So now that you’ve decided that you want a sapphire stone on your ring, what exactly should you look for while buying the stone?
Colour
Perhaps the most important feature is to check out several colours and find on that speaks to your taste and preference.
Clarity
Unlike diamonds that are scrutinized under magnification for inclusions, it is taken for granted that most sapphires do have trace minerals in them. So the goal is to make sure that there are no visual inclusions visible to the naked eye.
Cut
Unlike diamonds, sapphires have no standardize cut to maximize their sparkle. Instead, sapphire is cut custom. Lighter colours are cut thick to deepen their colour’s intensity, and darker stones are cut thinner to brighten the stone.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of the stone and not the size. Sapphires are denser than diamonds, and so a one-carat sapphire is usually smaller than a one-carat diamond.
At Master Jewelers Indiana, we have over 20-plus years working with gemstones. Sapphires are a popular favorite for many good reasons. Come in or check out our Sapphire jewelry online. Remember, we are here to design it for your style.
Engagement Rings, Jewelry
Etiquette for Heirloom Engagement Ring
Using a heirloom engagement ring to propose speaks great volumes. The ring itself demonstrates a family history full of commitment, love and belonging.
A heirloom brings with it a bunch of burning questions about how it should be used. Read ahead to answer some question about heirloom ring etiquette.
What is a heirloom engagement ring?
A ring that has previously occupied the finger of a fiancé’s mother or grandmother, or any close or distant relative to that matter, is called a heirloom ring. This ring along with its monetary value has great sentimental value because of its history in the family. Some families have a tradition of passing on rings onto the next generation of their families. Any events or stories of the previous owners’ lives add to its value.
How do you use a heirloom engagement ring to propose?
First of all, it is totally okay to ask your fiance’s family for a heirloom ring. Do it directly and make sure you take into loop all immediate family members. You will most probably end up getting permission for using a heirloom ring.
When you do get the ring, the first thing you should do is get it cleaned, appraised and then insured. Make sure to show it to a jeweller to get it cleaned and any damage repaired. Make sure to get any loose stones fixed.
The next step is to use your detective skills to ensure the ring fits her finger correctly. You can discreetly use any of her other rings to do so, and in case it isn’t the correct size, get permission from her family before getting it altered. You may also get it redesigned, or the centre stone reset according to your preferences or your partner’s taste.
You may want to keep in mind that it isn’t necessary that your fiancé would want a heirloom ring. One big reason may be emotional detachment. You want the ring to mean as much to her as it does to you, so avoid using the ring out of the blue. Acquaint her with the history of the previous wearer first. Even after, it may not necessarily mean the ring is for her.
Gold, Jewelry
Is gold jewelry a good investment?
Gold jewelry is undoubtedly an excellent investment if you’re interested in wearing it. The experts have long endorsed the psychological and financial benefits of this personal investment. But is gold jewelry good as a purely financial investment? Investors seem not to think so.
Some important arguments are put forward
Experts say it’s a good thing to keep in mind that gold jewelry comprises 43% of the total demand for gold, and jewelry manufacturers can charge way more than the base value of gold because of the craftsmanship put into designing the jewelry. This inflated price is then subject to a variety of taxes, making gold jewelry way more expensive than the actual value of the gold.
When is gold jewelry a good investment? Should I Buy Gold Coins Instead?
Gold coins are less practical than jewelry simply because they have little practical use as they cannot be worn or integrated in an outfit. This makes an oz. bar of gold or an oz. of gold coins less costly than 1 oz. of jewelry. The fact that the value of gold coins is linked to the true value of the gold and not to any craftsmanship or visual appeal makes gold coins and bars much more practical investment. Gold coins are very easy to purchase nowadays and can be bought instead of jewelry or bars. Buying coins from a reputable online store can help prevent you from being duped for fake gold.
Is gold jewelry a good investment for the gold value?
The price for an oz. of a gold bar or coins can easily be calculated using the current gold rate while calculating the worth of a necklace is much more complicated as you need to consider the dealer’s share and the design’s worth. Again, this makes gold coins a much more practical financial investment. Gold jewelry can be invested in if you want and intend to use the jewelry so that you can get its full worth.
It is, however, a simple fact. Gold in any shape and form is a great hedge fund against inflation.
Custom Jewelry Design, Jewelry
Cleaning your jewelry during COVID
This pandemic sure has brought upon us some strange times. How many times a day do you wash your hands singing ‘Happy Birthday’ every day? And how many times do you end up using alcohol sanitizer in a day? Probably a lot. While doing so, you might be wearing your rings. Maybe because you’re used to wearing them all the time or cheer you up and provide some consistency in your day.
Alcohol and soap, however, aren’t good for your rings. They can damage the stones and make them look unpleasant. This is why taking care of them is of increased importance. Something I do every day is to make sure I leave my rings in some warm water and Windex to clean off any grime or chemicals that may have stuck to it.
Knowing this probably was far from the best method, I ended up in a jewelry store whose owner I used to hand around with not so long ago (before this pandemic took over our lifestyle). According to her: “The safest way to clean your rings at home is with warm water and a mild dish soap—I use Ivory,” she says. “Soak your ring for a while and then use a soft toothbrush to brush any debris in the edges and behind stones.” She also adds that organic stones such as pearls and corals are way more likely to get permanently damaged by cleaners: “The alcohol in the sanitizer can dry out the gems and lead to surface damage or cracking. Hand sanitizer is also not safe on porous stones like opals or turquoise.” She adds that lovers of Georgian and early Victorian pieces should also take special care: “Water can get into rings with closed-back mountings and affect the stones’ appearance. Also, locket rings or any ring that has a photo of some other decoration under glass should not be washed with water.”
Another simple advice was to ensure you removed your jewelry when washing your hands and to make sure your drain was closed so that you don’t accidentally lose your rings! Contact Master Jewelers Indiana today.
Gold, Jewelry
10K gold vs. 14K gold-What You Should Know
10-karat and 14-karat gold are the two most widely used metals in jewelry. Today, we will be helping you understand the difference between the two.
It’s good first to understand that the two are gold alloys made by mixing other metals to the soft gold to increase durability. The amount of gold in the alloy is measured in karats: 24-karat being pure gold.
What Is 10K Gold?
10-karat gold consists of 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals such as copper, silver, and nickel. 10-karat jewelry is usually stamped with the marking 10K, 10KT, or 0.417.
What Is 14K Gold?
14-karat gold consists of 14 parts of gold and ten parts of other metals. Jewelry of this alloy is marked as 14K, 14KT, or 0.583.
10K Gold Is Cheaper Than 14K Gold
A key difference between the two types of gold is that 10K jewelry is usually cheaper than 14K items because of the lower gold proportion that it contains.
14K Gold Has a Better Color
In appearance, 14K gold understandably has a somewhat yellower color and is more similar in appearance to pure gold. This is not noticeable to the common eye, though; 14k gold does however tarnish quicker.
10K Gold Is Harder
Lower gold content doesn’t mean lower quality. This gold standard has its benefits. The major one being it is more durable, tarnishes slower, and gets scratched less frequently.
10K Gold: Not for People Allergic to Nickel
10K gold contains more nickel than 14K gold, which is why it is less suitable for people allergic to the metal as it may cause skin irritation and other symptoms.
Things to keep in mind when selecting 10K and 14K Gold
10K and 14K gold have their own merits, and none of them can be said to be superior to the other in all aspects. If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry, 10K is better due to its higher durability and lower cost. As for appearance, it is up to you to judge whether any of them looks better. If you’re looking for diamond jewelry, 14K may be the lowest karat of gold available, leaving you no choice in that domain.
Gold, Jewelry, Necklaces
Selling Gold Jewelry?!- Heres what to know
Gold rates have started hitting record highs as the financial uncertainty of the situation has caused people to start hoard the precious commodity. Selling jewelry has never been easier as there is no shortage of choices on how to sell, ranging from your local pawn shop or to an online jewelry store. Even eBay has added a new section to its website called the Bullion Center, a place for people to trade bullion including but not limited to gold and silver coins and bars. No matter where you decide to sell your metal, here are some tips to keep in mind while doing so.
Check out all your options: Always get a quote from at least a couple of local jewelry shops to have a base price in mind while negotiating offers. This also makes sure you’re not cheated out of your jewelry’s actual worth.
Always read the fine print: Consumers are always advised to make sure they read all the terms and conditions while making a deal especially online. Even legitimate online dealers can cause you to lose money by surprising you with hidden costs.
Don’t mix karats: ‘Gold parties’ are a relatively new way to sell gold. Though they may be convenient, you may not always get the most for your gold as many cuts have to be paid. At some places, it is weighed together and valued according to the jewelry of the lowest karat.
Beware rogue buyers: “Hotel” buyers are known to move from town to town setting up camp in hotel ballrooms, promising high buying rates but end up paying a lot less before disappearing.
Check credentials and look for reviews: Always check these before dealing with a potential buyer. Legitimate buyers always have a state-issued license to buy gold and are required by law to ask for picture ID when buying from you.
Observe the scale: Though pawn shops and jewelry shops are regularly checked for compliance to weighing regulations, hotel or house-based buyers could pay you less for more gold by altering the units used while weighing your jewelry.
Is it scrap or history? Before scrapping your jewelry, you should check whether your item a valuable antique that could attract a way higher price than its scrap value.
Master Jewelers, a jeweler you can trust, will purchase your gold jewelry. With over 20 years of plus experience in jewelery industry, you know the value of jewelry is more than just money. Visit us online
Custom Jewelry Design, Jewelry
Know How Silver Gets Valued Before You Sell
The value of your item fluctuates when the item is either gold or silver. The reason this fluctuation occurs is because 75% of the silver that gets mined comes from copper or lead mineralization, and the remaining 25% comes from silver ores.
Considering this fluctuation, a jewelry store will always make you an offer based on:
- Percentage of silver
- Currency fluctuations
- Market speculation
- Supply and demand
Besides the aforementioned four factors, fineness also contributes a lot. While gold is measured in Karats, silver is measured by its fineness or purity.
Since silver is prepared in two ways, the ore extraction method and the mineralization of copper and lead, certain assigned numbers such as 800, 925, 958, or 999 decide the fineness or purity of the silver. 999 means your piece is 99.9% silver. Anything less than 99.9% means it is an alloy.
The greater the fineness number of silver, the higher the purity level. Purity levels are measured by the amalgamation of other elements. Greater number means fewer elements.
Moreover, silver is not only used in ornaments, but it is also an excellent electricity conductor, battery element, and the best reflector of visible light.
Knowing the Amount of Silver Your Jewelry Have?
Measuring the weight of your silver is not difficult. If you have a bullion, the weight should be stated on the certificate or the piece. If you have silver jewelry, a scale that weighs the 10th of a gram will suffice.
Many times, the jewelry is adorned with extra jewels and stones. In that case, you’ll first have to weigh the gems, subtract that figure and then calculate the final weight of silver.
Now multiply the weight with the fineness number. For example, if the jewelry weighs 10.5 grams and the fineness number is 925 or 92.5% then calculate 10.5×0.925. The true amount of silver in your jewelry is the result of 10.5×0.925, which is 9.7125 grams.
It is best to sell your jewlery to an jeweler that you can trust so you can ensure you are receiving the best price. Contact Master Jewelers Indiana, our expert staff is ready to help.
Custom Jewelry Design, Gold, Jewelry
8 Tips Before you Sell Your Gold Jewelry
Before you start selling your gold jewelry, here are some of the greatest tips you need to follow.
Don’t rush, take your time!
Before you begin selling your ornaments, make sure you spend enough time examining every piece of your jewelry. Jewelry often holds sentimental value, so make sure the emotional worth it carries is greater lesser than the cost price of the product or else go for the worn-out and lost pair pieces.
Your buyer must know the worth of your jewelry
Ensure the company you are selling your jewelry to is a legitimate market with a proper license to buy your gold jewelry. Check their customers’ feedbacks section and see how satisfied they with their buying are and selling of the company’s products.
Know what you have
Most gold jewelry is not pure gold. It comes in a certain amount of gold mixed with other alloys that ranges from 10, 14 or 18 karats and so on. You will only be paid for the gold that your jewelry contains.
Consider the right evaluation
The intricate and antique jewelry that is costly and seemingly in demand needs to be evaluated by the right person before selling in the market. The evaluation must be done on the significance of the piece and its current demand in the market. There’s a high chance that it would be beneficial to sell it as a finished product.
Know the worth of your jewelry
Keep yourself updated with the market price of the jewelry. The prices may vary but will give you a rough idea of the worth of your piece.
Save yourself
It is recommended to keep a photograph and an official copy of your gold’s document as it will help you get a reimbursement in case a mishap takes place.
Try your luck everywhere
Get good rates bids from multiple buyers before you choose one buyer. Your offers may differ from buyer to buyer depending where you sell it.
Being practical
Selling your jewelry will not necessarily make you rich. You will only be paid for the amount you sold your jewelry for after deducting the amendment charges.
Master Jewelers has over 20 years’ experience within the jewelery industry. Contact us today to sell your gold.
Jewelry
What’s the Difference Between Pawning and Selling Silver?
Pawning and selling jewelry are two confusing terms when it comes to things like ornaments and metals. Usually pawning is considered as a synonym to selling, but there is a major difference between both.
Pawnbrokers are different from potential buyers. Since people go through a tough time deciding between pawning and selling when it comes to property, this guide will help them choose better.
What’s the Difference Between Pawning and Selling?
Selling, as the name says, is selling. That’s that.
Pawning, however, is a collateral loan. To pawn something is to use it as collateral when you’re borrowing money.
Depending on your state, you can take out a 30-day pawn loan with a 30-day grace period. Other states can offer up to 120 days.
When your item is pawned, it stays with the broker. To get the item back, you’ll have to pay an extra amount coupled with some interest otherwise, the broker will resell it.
Pawning is expensive because the interest rate crosses 200% APR. So, why is it an option?
Because if you have poor credit and are cashless, you can’t be indebted. That is when pawning kicks in.
A pawnbroker follows certain criteria such as the resale value. While the majority of the items are re-bought, a small number of items are not. This is the brokers’ shot. If your silver has a high Fineness number, then while selling silver may get you $25-$50 more, pawning can get you up to $100 more.
In pawning, unlike selling silver, you are not paid according to the market rate of an ounce. Pawning may pay low but it offers you ease and convenience.
Should You Pawn or Sell Silver?
It depends on you and your financial condition. If you’re not eligible for a traditional loan, it is better to pawn. However, for pawning you’ll have to wait 60 to 120 days, go through police interrogation to ensure that your item is not stolen, and the money is not that great in majority cases.
Selling, on the other hand, gives you more money, and it is quick. There are no extra procedures. You just straightaway sell it. Not to mention you don’t have to deal with a pawn shop trying to get their cut. A Jeweler you can trust will give you market price.
So, you decide to sell?
If there is no sentimental value and you just want some quick cash, selling is the best option you can available. It is also a great way to spring clean your jewelry box. Master Jewelers Indiana has over 20 plus years in the jewelry business and is a jeweler you can trust. Bring in your silver and gold jewelery you want to sell today.
Jewelry
Covid-19 Pandemic Have You Or A Loved One Feeling Blue?!
This is a trying time for all of us, as we adapt to the changes of the COVID-19 pandemic and try to remain safe. Many of us have a loved one fighting on the front lines, going through rough times or directly affected. We are all touched by this tragedy in some shape or form. Keeping our spirits up and remaining hopeful is key to getting through this challenging time.
It is only natural to feel indifferent or down during this time. Gifts are a great way to cheer a loved one up or remind them how much you appreciate their sacrifice. Surprise someone you love with a piece of jewelry that represents them and their strength through this time. Jewelry is more than a materialistic item, it is a symbolic token of love and admiration.
Frontline Worker
If you have a loved one who is considered an essential worker not only give them a hug for us, but get them a heroic piece of medal. Medals are given to our heros for courageous acts and selfless events, this is no different. Get your loved one something will suit their personality. Whether it is a charm bracelet or a custom jewelry design, make sure it is something unique for them and their selfless act during these hard times.
Feeling Blue?
You can always count on jewelry to make your loved one smile. There are a lot of scary changes and heavy emotions going along with them. Some have more difficulty navigating through and adapting to these hard times than others. If this is your loved one, try something bright and shine to add a little bit of sparkle back into their life. Don’t be ashamed if you are looking to buy for you. Buying jewelry for yourself is more than retail therapy, it is self love.
Master Jewelers Indiana is adhering to the social distancing and is available via chat on the website. We are still open and here for all of our customers and orders. We are more than just a jeweler you can trust. Contact us and let us help with your custom design jewelry
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